New Beginnings
Day 1: (Greg reaches for the front door of the Boulware Mission. He feels afraid, depressed, reluctant, and very alone. He is thinking… as a result of my drug and alcohol addictions, my only residential choices are jail, living with other addicts, or living on the street…He has chosen drugs and alcohol over his parents, his wife and children, his employer, and his friends.)
I take a deep breath, open the door, and am greeted by a warmly decorated room full of men, women, and children. They are working on paperwork, sorting donated items for distribution, and participating in group meetings and one-on-one sessions that seem to be focused and caring. There is a great aroma coming from the kitchen, where people are smiling, chatting, and working as a team to prepare lunch.
A person named Jeff approaches me with a smile and a hug that makes me feel welcome to the Boulware Mission. He finds a quiet place to learn more about me and assures me that, if I am willing, the Mission will become a home for a new beginning to my life. With another deep breath, I begin the process of changing my life. During my first 14 days, I am considered to be at “Entry Level – Emergency Services” at the Mission. I work with my Case Manager to develop an entry level – Individual Service Plan. Basically, I am allowed to rest in a healthy environment and become acquainted with the Mission.
Days 15-90:
I am feeling more comfortable. I’ve made new friends and actually feel that the rules of the Mission give me guidance and make me feel secure. My Case Manager has increased my accountability expectations and we have set short and long-term goals. The staff helped me to get a job and as a part of my service plan, I am following my budget to pay my child support, debts, and fines. I am even putting money into my “No Touch Savings” account that will be given to me when I leave the Mission. I am working on my LAP hours (Living Application Program). This is teaching me accountability for day-to-day living at the Mission. You see, the clients are responsible for 100% of all janitorial chores and 95% of the routine maintenance projects. We assist with the food organization, handling, and preparation. The client quarters and grounds are inspected daily and good housekeeping standards are enforced. Having participated in many meetings during my first several days, I begin to notice the change in myself and my attitude. At my Case Manager’s suggestion, I entered the “Intensive Treatment Phase” to learn about the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. I am learning good coping skills and I am finally seeing where I came from, who I am, and where I want to be. I understand the importance of relying on guidance from my mentors as an essential part of my recovery. My Case Manager encourages my growth and practice of my new skills during my stay at the Boulware Mission. When the staff mentioned that I would be required to attend the “Daily Life Skills Classes”, I was very nervous as I recalled my early years of dreaded homework and tests.
Although, it really isn’t so bad. I am learning very important aspects of my life that were missing and how they contributed to my existing circumstance. I am learning to be proactive rather than reactive to life’s challenges; how to relax and have fun without alcohol and drugs; how to have healthy friendships and respect others as equals; how to enjoy cleanliness and organization; and how to solve disagreements agreeably. The Boulware Mission even helps clients with job search skills, healthy lifestyles, mental health issues such as anger management, and most importantly how my faith and belief in God is essential for my healing.
You know…as I stay longer at the Mission, I realize that I am growing stronger...and now I know:
* That my parents did their best to give me support and guidance;
* That my wife and children need my love and support;
* That my good friends were right when they would no longer enable me to destroy my life;
* And, most importantly, I’ve learned that God is my Lord and Savior and when I allow Him to guide my life , He will provide the way.
“My family and I thank you for your support of the Boulware Mission as the Mission strives to give hope to good people like me that have made bad decisions.”
~ Greg
Boulware Mission Capital Campaign
The Mission currently serves 38 persons per day and we had to turn away 2,000 calls for help last year due to the lack of space. Your contribution will allow us to serve at least 90 persons per day through the renovation of the Wing Avenue Passionist Nuns Monastery.
You may donate by:
Please contact Becky Hagan, Chief Operations Officer, for assistance with any of the above methods of donation. 683-8267
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