A client who successfully graduates our
program looks like you and I. They have made decisions that are morally sound,
informed by the truth and guided by wisdom. Graduates are people who have made
the necessary progress and changes to be working full time, living in their own
apartment, attending church and surrounded by friends and family. Our program
is rigorous but it is transformational.
Graduates have
accepted full responsibility for their past decisions and for the future course
of their lives. They have developed life skills that have fostered healthy
relationships with our staff, volunteers and the community. Acknowledging their
faults and past mistakes, they have chosen to learn from the past and to seek
greater accountability in their lives as they pursue career objectives.
There
are many individuals that have graduated our New Life Program. I will share a
few snap shots of their lives. First, Nelson came into our program in the
summer of 2005. A year later he graduated and chose to remain at the Mission.
Nelson worked in our Thrift Stores and Men’s Shelter for the next two years. He
was promoted to store manager in his third year with us and later was promoted
to Thrift Store Director for all four of our stores. Over the years he stayed
in touch with his former wife, children and family. In the summer of 2012 he
was remarried to Marlene and reunited with his family. His final step in
recovery was to move back home to North Carolina in March 2013. Today he is the
proud father and husband that God had graciously made him. He is now employed
by Habit For Humanity in one of their Thrift Stores in his town.
Jeremy
graduated our New Life Program and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior
while at the Mission. Today, he is enrolled in undergraduate studies at the
Baptist Bible College in Graceville, Florida. Another graduate, Tiffany
finished her New Life Program and chose to enter our one year graduate program,
Jericho Road Advanced Recovery Servant Program (JARS). While in this program
she enrolled in the online undergraduate program at City Vision College. She is
working towards her bachelor’s degree in Rescue Ministry. John, another JARS
program graduate works for the Mission at our Thrift Store. He was recently
promoted to Production Manager at the store. Denise and Oliver both graduated
the New Life Program, left the mission to pursue other work but have come back
to work in our thrift store and food pantry locations.
These
are only a few of the men and women who have come through Jericho Road
Ministries and today are productive citizens in our community and beyond.
