Dear Friends,

Summer is upon us, and we have so much to be grateful for! We are especially looking forward to a graduation ceremony on June 23rd to celebrate several men who recently graduated from the New Life Program. A man’s graduation from our New Life Program represents months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It means he is clean and sober, gainfully employed, financially stable, and has secured his own permanent housing. The classes, tutoring, homework, counseling, work responsibilities, resume writing, job hunting, budgeting, and intentional saving of his money – all of it adds up to a monumental achievement worth celebrating!

We do our best to cheer our men on as they work hard to reach each successive goal. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast and an encouraging chapel service before launching into the day’s work. Each meal – breakfast, lunch and dinner – is not only delicious, but also plentiful, with enough for seconds. Snacks are available 24/7. We have good heat in the winter, and wonderful AC in the summer. We try to touch up the paint as often as we can (let me know if you’d like to help with that!), and fix things as they wear out and break down. We seek to take care of the Mission like it’s our home – because for our men, that’s exactly what it is.

I am grateful for the partnership of so many friends whose financial support and volunteer work make all of this possible. With 53 residents, our buildings are well used. In recent months, we’ve had some significant and costly repairs. We’ve had to replace one of our commercial-grade dormitory showers, rebuild our fire department wet standpipe connection, repair and re-pack the seals in our fire pump, and install a new booster pump for our domestic water service. These unexpected expenses have come at a time when giving traditionally slows down. As we move further from the holiday season and into the summer months, we rely more than ever on the faithful support of our friends to help us keep the Mission safe and welcoming for all who enter.

Any gift you are able to give is a tremendous blessing. Thank you for your continued love and support. Just yesterday, a friend texted to ask if we needed any supplies from Sam’s Club. I shared a few needs, and today, she sent me a screen shot of an order that’s already on the way. I could share many more stories of how the Lord uses so many of you to bless us abundantly. Thank you! We could not do this alone! The Lord bless you and keep you in His mercy, love, and grace!

In His grace and joy,

Heather L. Rice, D.Min.
Executive Director