Casa Segura de Dios

### Casa Segura de Dios: From Darkness to Hope and Second Chances This episode of *Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community* explores the power of redemption, recovery, and second chances. Host Jill Economou is joined by Praxedes Reyes-Burgos, Founder of Casa Segura de Dios, whose remarkable personal journey transformed him from a life of addiction, crime, and incarceration into one dedicated to helping others overcome similar struggles. Praxedes shares his story of growing up in Puerto Rico, where violence, drugs, and crime became a normalized part of daily life at an early age. Drawn into the streets as a child, he eventually became involved in drug trafficking and addiction, leading to multiple prison sentences and a federal indictment in 2013. What seemed like the end of his story became the beginning of a profound transformation. While incarcerated, Praxedes witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction, hopelessness, and overdose among fellow inmates. Through his faith and personal reflection, he discovered a new purpose: helping individuals trapped in addiction find healing, restoration, and hope. That calling ultimately led to the creation of Casa Segura de Dios, which translates to "Safe House of God." The conversation highlights the organization's mission to provide transitional housing, mentorship, recovery support, and practical life resources for individuals struggling with addiction and life-controlling challenges. Praxedes discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction, extending grace instead of judgment, and helping people rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity. Listeners will learn how Casa Segura de Dios is working to create pathways to recovery for individuals who often feel forgotten, as well as how volunteers, donors, and community members can support the organization's growing mission. ### Episode Highlights: **0:56** | The importance of second chances and refusing to let past mistakes define the future **1:23** | Praxedes' early life and growing up surrounded by violence, crime, and addiction **3:48** | How environment and circumstance shaped his path into the streets **6:30** | The federal indictment that became a turning point in his life **7:55** | Who Praxedes was before becoming a pastor and community leader **8:43** | Addiction, emptiness, and realizing the need for change **11:07** | The experiences in prison that inspired the vision for Casa Segura de Dios **12:34** | Witnessing addiction, overdoses, and hopelessness behind prison walls **13:19** | Receiving the vision for a "Safe House of God" during incarceration **14:22** | Returning to the community and launching a ministry focused on recovery and restoration **15:47** | The mission of Casa Segura de Dios and helping individuals rebuild their lives **16:59** | Supporting people struggling with addiction, hopelessness, and life challenges **18:12** | Becoming a "hope dealer" and the impact of offering second chances **19:03** | Why many people facing addiction are carrying unseen pain and trauma **19:33** | A powerful story illustrating the importance of compassion over judgment **22:38** | What makes Casa Segura de Dios unique, including bilingual support services **23:51** | Transitional housing, mentorship, financial accountability, and long-term recovery support **25:05** | Plans to launch the organization's first recovery house **26:01** | Volunteer opportunities and ways the community can get involved **27:44** | A message of hope for families and individuals affected by addiction ## CASA SEGURA DE DIOS Casa Segura de Dios is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and rediscover hope. Through mentorship, recovery support, transitional housing, faith-based guidance, and practical life-skills development, the organization works to create lasting transformation for people facing substance use challenges and other life-controlling struggles. With a focus on restoration, accountability, and spiritual growth, Casa Segura de Dios seeks to provide a safe pathway toward healing and a brighter future. **Website:** https://www.casaseguradedios.org ## ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. **Website:** https://www.ellenbecker.com *This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.*