New Hope and New Life at Easter!
“DRMM was where I needed to be to change my life . . .” —Gilbert, a grateful neighbor
Retirement came with a huge surprise for Gilbert. After working for decades in Canada, he moved home to Highland Park. But all his hopes and dreams were dashed when he learned his benefits would only bring in $375 a month! Soon his finances were in ruin and his spirits as low as he’d ever felt in his entire life . . .
“I’ve been working since I was 18,” Gilbert says, remembering the shock that his retirement income would only be a fraction of what he’d been expecting. “No one can live on $375 a month . . .
“I lost my townhouse. I lost my car. I lost everything,” he says, shaking his head.
In despair, Gilbert took comfort in pleasures that soon became addictive. “I took a spiral down and I hit bottom. I came to DRMM when I couldn’t pay for the motel room anymore . . .”
Your kind and generous support gave Gilbert a safe refuge when he had nowhere else to go.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been in a mission,” Gilbert says. “I never thought I’d be in a place like this because, all my life, I’ve been taking care of me and everybody else around me.”
But Gilbert struggled with an inner voice that said, “I’m not supposed to be here.” Later he realized, “I was supposed to be here. DRMM was where I needed to be to change my life. Otherwise, I might be dead. Seriously.”
From his first day at the Mission, Gilbert volunteered for every possible task. And as a skilled handyman, he was soon in demand!
“I was at DRMM to work on my life and I needed to stay busy. So, I volunteered every day—painting and doing repairs.”
He also threw himself into the many spiritually enriching and life-changing programs available. “My life just started turning around and, today, it’s a complete turnaround. I’ve always believed in God, but never accepted Him fully in my heart . . . I have Him now.”
Through your gifts and partnership with DRMM, you’re helping save and change lives each day!
Deeply thankful for the help he received in rebuilding his life, Gilbert is committed to continuing to volunteer at the Mission. “I got into the housing program and now I’ve got my own apartment. But I’m still going to be here donating my time.”
To caring friends who support the Mission with their gifts, Gilbert says please don’t stop! “DRMM needs funding. They need help to keep it running. And they’ve got to keep it running because there are so many people on the streets who have no place to go.”
Thank you for sharing a special gift this Easter season to provide meals, safe shelter, and hope for a new beginning with neighbors like Gilbert who are going through a difficult time in life!
