Transformations: Faith, Freedom, and a Fresh Start

(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the December 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Enzo Racca and his wife Chandré’s move from Boston to the Rio Grande Valley (the “Valley”) wasn’t the result of a long-term plan, but rather a leap of faith during a challenging season in their young family’s life. Seeking support and community, they relocated so his wife could be near friends and mentors involved in ministry work at the Faith Pleases God Church. It was during this time of personal healing and reflection that they began envisioning bringing Transformations—a faith-supported, evidence-based community dedicated to helping people overcome addiction—to the United States.

Photo courtesy of Enzo Racca

Enzo had experienced the power of recovery firsthand and felt called to help others. “About 15 years ago, I was in state prison in Massachusetts, facing five to ten years for bank robbery to support my lifestyle of addiction,” he said. “I was in and out of prison for over 20 years, going through the programs and the short-term healings.”

His turning point came when his mother confronted him after seeing him on the news. “She told me I broke her heart into four pieces, and I was so crushed on the inside that I did it again,” he said. “I went back to my prison cell, and I was contemplating suicide when I looked out my prison window and God showed me a vision. I was holding a Bible.” That moment changed everything.

Photo courtesy of Enzo Racca

After completing a therapeutic program himself, he devoted his life to helping others do the same. After graduating from his program, Enzo went on to be a full-time student at college, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in pastoral ministries and biblical studies.

Today, that personal redemption fuels his mission, which led to Transformations USA—a new branch of the faith-based recovery community that began in Australia and is now taking root in South Texas.

At the heart of Transformations is a unique blend of evidence-based recovery and spiritual renewal. Still, Enzo emphasizes that Transformations welcomes those who may be uncertain about faith. “It’s okay if they’re not 100% sure before they come in, but if they’re willing and open to seeing if it will click with them and connect with them, then we would encourage them to come in,” he explained.

Photo courtesy of Enzo Racca

At Transformations, community and accountability are at the heart of lasting change. Participants are encouraged to be open about their struggles, not just with program leaders but with peers who share similar journeys. This peer-to-peer approach allows individuals to be gently confronted with areas they need to work on while also receiving support and guidance on how to overcome them. By combining honest feedback with practical encouragement, the program fosters both personal growth and hope for real, lasting transformation.

Transformations depends entirely on the support of the local community and its partners. While the organization works closely with churches, it also relies on the generosity of local businesses and individual donors. This support allows Transformations to focus fully on its mission: helping people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The community’s involvement is what makes lasting change possible—restoring families, breaking cycles of addiction, and creating hope for future generations.

Looking ahead, Transformations plans to expand far beyond the Valley. “The vision for Transformations Program USA is to plant a men’s home, a women’s home, and women with children [facility] here in the Valley and throughout the state of Texas,” Enzo shared. “But we also want to have centers in every state… anywhere where the need is necessary.” That growth, he believes, begins with faith and the community’s continued support.

And for those ready to take their first step toward freedom, Enzo’s message is simple: “Just don’t give up. Keep showing up.”

To learn more about Transformations—or to get involved—visit transformationsusa.org. You can support their mission by becoming a monthly sponsor for a resident, sending a donation to P.O. Box 530160, Harlingen, TX 78553, or by scanning the QR code included in the flyer in this article.