August 26, 2018

NUMBER OF PEOPLE SERVED
Food Closet		Backpacks
Last Week	362	Last Week	N/A
Since January 1st	13,643	School Year	12,850

I have written many times about one of the organizations we work with in the community: Women’s Life Change Center. Part of the Union Gospel Mission and located on 103rd and Walker Road, it is a live-in facility that treats 20-25 women at a time along with their children. It is a wonderful organization that offers tiered programs that can last up to three years. The residents work hard by attending multiple classes at a time learning life skills along with dealing with their addictions. Everything they do is based on the strong belief that God can and will provide them with the strength they need and that with His help they can regain stability in their lives.

Once every three months they hold a “graduation” ceremony where they recognize the efforts of those who have done the hard work that allows them to move to the next level and/or leave the program. Unable to attend in the past, when asked recently to provide the opening prayer I gladly accepted. It was an amazing experience! With family and friends in attendance, 12 women were recognized and honored for all they had accomplished so far and encouraged to continue the journey. The love, joy, and yes, the presence of the Holy Spirit, permeated the room. The support the “graduates” received from family, staff and fellow residents was incredible.

One of the past residents shared her story. I recall meeting her a few years ago. She was in serious trouble; headed to prison for 10 years if she did not change. She had come to the Center realizing this may be her only chance. Not only did she successfully complete the program but she obtained an Associates Degree and is now one of the counselors at the Center. She will return to college this fall to further her education. Inspiring!

As I was leaving I could not help but feel good about the support Holy Trinity has provided to the Women’s Center. Walking out the front door I got an even bigger smile on my face as I saw lots of kids playing on the very large front lawn along with visiting adults. As I walked to my car I noticed a young man off to the side checking his phone. We exchanged a simple hello and as I walked by I heard him say “it’s great to be in recovery”. I stopped to ask how long it had been. “Six months” he said proudly. I shook his hand as I asked his name and encouraged him to remain strong. “With God’s help I will” he said.

Please pray for all of the residents at the Women’s Center and those being helped by the Union Gospel Mission as well as all of those dealing with addictions. May God give them the strength and support they need to win the battle.