Socorro man finds new path through RISE and Pecos Valley Counseling

Eight months ago, Herman Garcia walked out of jail unsure of what came next. Today, he is two years and three months sober, holds a steady job, manages a sober living home and regularly returns to the jail—not as a detainee, but as a mentor.

Garcia is a graduate of the RISE program, a rehabilitation and reentry initiative that offers incarcerated individuals tools for recovery, education and life after release. He credits the program, along with continued support from Pecos Valley Counseling, for helping him rebuild his life.

“At first, I didn’t really want to do it,” Garcia said of joining RISE. “My cousin Vanessa Garcia pushed me to try it. I’m glad she did. It showed me tools I didn’t have before and guided me forward.”

While at the Socorro Detention Center, Garcia completed Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), a cognitive behavioral workbook-based program focused on decision-making and accountability. He also participated in parenting classes, gardening and a welding program, earning certification as a welder.

“RISE is pretty fun—as long as you’re willing to accept help,” Garcia said. “Everything lays out flat for you if you’re willing to put in the work.”

After his release, Garcia voluntarily transitioned into Pecos Valley’s sober living housing in Socorro, where he now serves as house manager. In that role, he helps maintain structure in the household—ensuring residents follow rules, complete chores, attend meetings and support one another in their recovery.

“We do meditations every morning and read from recovery books,” Garcia said. “It gives us motivation for the day.”

He also works full-time in plumbing and continues to attend group therapy and one-on-one counseling. When he was released, Garcia said his goals included finishing probation, opening a bank account, saving money, securing employment and eventually buying a car—several of which he has already accomplished.

Timothy Gonzales, a comprehensive community support services worker and certified peer support worker at Pecos Valley, said Garcia’s progress stands out.

“I knew Herman at his worst,” said Gonzales, who previously shared a jail cell with him more than a decade ago and is now seven and a half years sober. “To see him now—awake, working, managing a house—it’s incredible. The willingness is what got him through, and the action is what got him where he is.”

As part of his recovery, Garcia now volunteers his time speaking with incarcerated individuals about sobriety and change.

“I tell them it’s worth it,” he said. “If you’re willing to change and work the program, it can work. I’m living proof.”

When he has free time, Garcia spends the day fishing at Escondida lake. Looking ahead, he hopes to have his own home within a year while continuing therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He said the community of support he has around him is what keeps him successful in his sobriety.

Pecos Valley Counseling offers both residential and outpatient services, including counseling, group therapy and case management. The organization also helps individuals access detox and treatment services before placing them in sober living environments.

“If someone wants help—whether it’s for themselves or a family member—we’re here,” Gonzales said. “We’re willing to make a plan. Just call or come in.”