From necessary undergarments to job fairs, our guests have been smiling quite a bit recently. And it’s all because you care for your neighbors in need! Your care and support have made it possible for the last few weeks to be a blur of activity at Springs Rescue Mission. Find out some of our recent highlights, below.
Do you feel it? There’s been a nip in the air at night recently, reminding us that winter will be here before we know it. But because of your support, 150 additional homeless neighbors will be able to sleep in a warm bed this winter, with the addition of our new emergency shelter. This new shelter will be ready before winter settles in. For more information, read our blog here.
Greenway Flats, a 65-unit permanent supportive housing complex, is under construction and scheduled for a 2019 opening. This project is a collaboration between the developer, Nor’wood Development, and Springs Rescue Mission, which will provide resources for residents.- Men in the New Life rehabilitation program attended a Career Fair. This quarterly event focuses on helping the men re-enter the workforce, feel useful and move forward in their lives.
- Chris graduated from the New Life Program with a focus on maintaining his sobriety. He chose the first three verses of Psalm 51 to mark his graduation: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
- Students from UCCS held a “foot clinic” for homeless guests. They truly exemplified John 13:14-15, where Jesus said, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
Ladies staying at the women’s shelter were ecstatic to receive quality bras donated by I Support the Girls! Their smiles and giggles were infectious. These undergarments help restore comfort and dignity to women struggling with homelessness.
From his prison cell, Dave decided it was time to change.
Though Dave* grew up in a broken home in the poorer part of California, he excelled in school as a child. Even so, he was introduced to marijuana at a young age and soon turned to meth. Meth became a way of life for him. Not only was he using it, he also started dealing it. Dave was in and out of juvenile detention centers, but after high school, he got his life back together. He met a girl, had a good job and all seemed to be going well until he started using again.
Over the next few years, Dave was in and out of jail for crimes related to his drug addiction. Finally, his last crime came with a sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Life in prison was exceptionally tough, and he regularly got into fights and scuffles with gang members. While he was in prison, two life-changing events shook him to his core. First, his father passed away and he hit rock bottom. Then, Dave found out he had a 14-year-old son! With his son in mind, Dave decided to turn his life around for good and become a role model. He began attending self-improvement classes and was granted parole. With nowhere to stay upon his release, he turned to Springs Rescue Mission.
Since coming to the Mission, Dave has found full-time employment in construction and has started providing for his 16-year-old son. They are even communicating on a regular basis! Dave aspires to build a better life for himself and to be the father his son needs. Keep Dave in your prayers as he continues his journey to restoration!
*name changed to protect privacy
