A Word From the Executive Director

Celebrate the Joy of Recovery

10/24/2007

After nearly every tour that I give at the Mission, I can count on hearing these words: “I had no idea that you provided all these services.” We are certainly best known for sharing meals, shelter and clothing, and while these life-sustaining services are crucial for many homeless and hungry in our community, the Mission is “so much more than that.”

Many in Rockford are unaware that the Mission offers a free long-term life recovery program for men and women struggling with addictions and other life controlling issues. Yes, we meet people “where they are,” but our ultimate goal is changed lives. Desperate people are making a life-or-death decision when they decide to turn to us for help and long-term care (generally nine months or more). Our guests are some of the bravest people I know.

In our life recovery programs we use a variety of great resources and offer an intensive curriculum which encourages a person to stop lying and denying, understand the “why” of their wounds and emerge from the pain to rebuild a new life full of hope with promise for the future.

In my early days at the Mission, I remember Mr. Pitney often telling folks, “You didn’t get in your situation overnight and you won’t get out of it overnight.” Some are miraculously healed of their destructive habits, but most have to work at it minute-by-minute for an extended period of time. Helping those who have committed themselves to recovery is one of the best long-term investments I know.

The upward path to hope begins when the men and women realize their need of a Savior Rescuer and are solely dependent on Him for healing of heart, soul and mind. Reminds me of the Prodigal Son mentioned in Luke 15. His real journey to wholeness began “when he came to his senses, got up and went to his father.” The father threw a party just like we do at our Restoration Celebrations when we rejoice in God’s work to rescue, recover and restore broken lives to wholeness.

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