Imago Dei Community The Scope Of Justice: City // Isaiah 61:4, Jeremiah 29:11 - Lance Orton
Aug 11, 2025
Lance Orton, the Executive Director of City Team Portland and a graduate of its recovery program, shares his transformative journey from addiction to leadership. He discusses the themes of identity, purpose, and surrender, connecting his personal experiences to broader community outreach efforts. Lance highlights the significance of faith in rebuilding lives and combating homelessness, particularly through initiatives like 'We All Have a Name.' His insights on embracing dignity and building relationships within the community showcase the power of collective action.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Early Trauma Shaped Identity
- Lance traces childhood instability and his parents' divorce as early traumas that shaped his identity and led to substance use.
- He links rapid adolescent change and chameleon-like adaptation to losing a stable sense of self.
Hitting Rock Bottom In A Jeep
- Lance describes living in his Jeep while heavily addicted to heroin before arriving in Portland and detoxing.
- He prayed to the universe for either death or a reason to live before being found and taken to a hospital.
City Team As A Turning Point
- A hospital discharge and a shelter voucher sent Lance to City Team, where he found structure and purpose through a year-long recovery program.
- He credits community, routine work, and the house of brothers for breaking chains of addiction.