Hope, Help, Healing. . .one life at a time
This summer you can help with a special project for Richard and the men residing in our Transitional Living Program.
Our goal is to turn this storage room into a full kitchen for our transitional living residents. Allowing them to prepare healthy meals and fellowship with each other.
Consistent healthy eating in sobriety creates a foundation for lasting recovery by improving physical health, mental well-being, and self-discipline.
Addiction often leaves people feeling alone and disconnected. Fellowship helps replace those feelings with friendship, understanding, and a place to belong.
But we need your help to make room for everyone around the table.
Letter from our Executive Director
When most kids were riding bikes and swimming on a warm afternoon, he was already drinking alcohol.
Many of you met Richard last autumn when he shared his Freedom Story at our annual banquet. He grew up just up the road in Reading. Where he started drinking at age 12.
As one habit led to another, he spent the 70’s and 80’s partying until he got busted. He had the choice of rehab or jail time. But he admits he only stayed clean long enough to get out. Then back to his old ways. Heavy drinking and selling cannabis.
For Richard, alcohol led to cannabis, which led to cocaine. Then crack, opiates, and finally crystal meth.
In 2018 he went to Teen Challenge for a month and then moved into Water Street Mission for the next three years. A friend called from Florida asking for help, so he goes. His friend gets sick and dies. Richard starts to isolate and becomes bitter. Then the drinking started again.
But thanks to your support he could start his next chapter at Freedom Ministry. The chapter of sobriety and a path forward. Richard graduated and is living in our transitional living program. And we need your help with a special project for the men in this program.
Our transitional living program is for men who need more support upon graduation. They work in the community, join a local church, and continue group Bible study. They still have access to their life coaches and counselors.
For Richard the transitional living program gives him a support community. He has friends to attend church with. Plus, he feels he can set an example for the men currently in the recovery program. He also likes to give back to the program that is helping him. Providing rides for transitional living residents without transportation.
One of Richard’s goals is to get healthier; it’s only possible with the help of support like yours….
Currently we have a small kitchenette on the second floor. A microwave and fridge. This summer we would like to add a full kitchen. Residents will be able to cook healthy meals and fellowship together in this new space.
With your help, we need to raise $10,000 to make their kitchen a reality. You have supported Richard through his recovery. And now you can continue to support his sobriety.
With deepest gratitude,
Elwood Martin
Executive Director
PS Today another man is walking in freedom, because you cared. Will you help him take the next step on his journey by providing him with a kitchen to prepare healthy meals? If this project becomes overfunded, we will use your dollars for other programs to continue helping men walk in freedom.