Spring Newsletter
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I love that spring comes around Easter time. New life is everywhere -- from the blossoming trees to the men and women bcoming hopeful, healthy and ready for a new beginning.  Sandi Polzin |
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Jason remembers growing up with no food in the house, but plenty of beer in the fridge. Surrounded by drugs and alcohol, he grew into a lifestyle of struggles, sickness and jail. As he watched his mother slowly die from alcoholism, he was struck deeply to his core, but his response was to drink more -- as much as he could.
One day, Jason woke up and realized he was physically addicted to alcohol, and it was ruining his life. "I couldn't keep a job or pay my bills," he admits. "I even contemplated ending my life."
Determined to make a change, Jason contacted Hope Gospel Mission. He had heard about the programs from a co-worker and during his community service. As soon as Jason got the call to come to Hope Gospel Mission, he sold his possessions and walked away from his old life.
"I was welcomed with open arms and introduced to a brotherhood of support," Jason says. "All my fears were put to rest."
Jason began reading the Scriptures and attending classes. He joined a church where he is still active today. "God led me to Hope Gospel Mission," he tells us. "He calls people here to heal."
As Jason continues his studies, he is thankful for his sobriety. "I praise God every day that He restored my life. I was a liar, a thief and my life was meaningless. Now, I live for God!"
Jason has a conviction to maintain a sober and godly life. "Hope Gospel Mission joined me on my journey and helped me every step of the way," he says. "When it comes to healing, they leave no stone unturned. They get to the root cause of people's problems so we do not go back to our old lives."
You are the reason men like Jason are choosing hope over despair. Jason tells you, "Thank you for helping. Everyone here is grateful for your support. If it weren't for your giving, I may not be alive today.
Clint was an alcoholic. He's not sure how it developed into such a problem, but he began to see that he was drinking more than his friends and letting his family down.
Recognizing he was in serious trouble, Clint went to several short-term recovery centers. He would maintain his sobriety for a few months until he felt confident there was no longer a problem. Then he would work drinking back into his daily life. The cycle continued until Clint hit a wall.
"I lost my job," Clint admits. "I ended up with nowhere to live and nowhere to go. I was desperate."
Clint's stepmother recommended he try Hope Gospel Mission. "The only thing I knew about Hope Gospel is that it was long term and faith based," he explains. "I grew up knowing God, so I knew this would be a safe place. I also knew that a long-term program was exactly what I needed to finally keep my sobriety."
Clint has been a resident for just over a year and enjoys a healthy, sober life! From his first day here, he attended classes and kept company with people who were on the same path he was. "The support from my peers and the care of the staff helped me not only achieve sobriety, but to keep it," Clint says.
He also attributes his new life to God. "I know God played a part in bringing me here, and He keeps me going day to day," Clint says. "My life is so much better now!"
Looking to the future, Clint is securing employment and working toward joining the Discipleship Transitions Program. He stays active in his church, spends time with his family and enjoys fellowship with those who support his journey.
Clint knows his new life would not be possible without God and your support. "I am extremely grateful for Hope Gospel Mission," he says. "I had nowhere to go and this place saved me. The staff truly cares about everyone here and shares the Gospel daily. You see the compassion in their faces and their actions. Thank you!"
Many people think it takes a big splash to make a difference. But often, a small gesture will ripple out and touch many lives. That's the effect Mary has at our Hope Renewal Center for Women and Children.
As a Resident Advisor Assistant, Mary spends one night a week at the center, helping to prepare meals, and even more importantly, simply being a comforting presence to the women there. "I like to welcome them when they walk in the door," Mary says. "they know they're home and they're safe."
Mary's primary ministry is prayer. She offers a prayer over the meal and offers to pray with anyone who needs encouragement. "I like to share the Lord, share verses. My gift in the spirit is scripture recollection," Mary says. "When I'm talking with the ladies, I'll write down some verses of comfort, strength or peace. Then they can use those verses to help others."
In addition to scripture, Mary also shares her own experiences with the women. "I tell them I've been through a lot of things growing up. I can understand some of the things they're going through. I let them know Jesus brought me through, and He can bring them through too.
People get involved at Hope Gospel Mission in various ways. For Mary, it was serving breakfast with her husband at the men's shelter. Then, four years ago, she discovered her calling to work with women and children. To anyone who is considering donating their time and talent, she offers a much-loved verse.
"'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40. You're here to help," she says. "Whether I'm mopping the floor or vacumming the rug, I'm happy. I interact with the ladies, and I walk away feeling like the Lord blessed me because I was there trying to help somebody."
New Hope for Our Struggling Neighbors at the Day Resource Center
In our previous newsletter, we shared exciting news about a new opportunity to operate the Community Haven House, a day resource center. Hope Gospel Mission has moved forward in assuming the operations of the day resource center at its current downtown Eau Claire location until a new location is established.
Western Dairyland Economic Council (WDEOC), a local non-profit that provides several housing and family services to help alleviate poverty in Eau Claire and neighboring counties, plans to purchase and renovate a new downtown location. This new facility will offer office space for both the WDEOC's Housing and Family Services programming and the Day Resource Center.
WDEOC will remodel the new location for offices and a new larger space for our struggling unhoused neighbors to access essential resources. The center will offer additional daytime shelter hours from inclement weather and will provide case management and support for low-income individuals. We aim to help them access various resources through partnerships with local agencies, ensuring they receive the assitance they need.
The Day Resource Center will offer much more than resources. Men and women will find a welcoming community that treats them with dignity and respect. They will feel valued and recognized beyond any labels they may carry. For many, a kind ear and respect can be the beginning of hope.
Although this opportunity is new for us, many rescue missions across the country operate day resource centers. Over the past year, we have been visiting and touring various organizations to learn how we can have the greatest impact in helping people move out of their situation and work towards wellness and independence.
Hope Gospel Mission is able to operate this new Day Resource Center thanks to faithful supporters like you. Our community recognizes the importance of compassion and overall support of our struggling neighbors, and we are committed to sharing the successes of our residents with others in need of assistance.
Thank you for joining us in sharing God's compassion. Your faithful support continues to make a difference, helping our hungry and hurting community in new and impactful ways.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing project. If you are interested in volunteering at the Day Resource Center, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Velie at 715-491-0905.
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