New Life News - March 2021 Issue

N EWS MARCH 2021

A CHANGE OF HEART

Pam was homeless and struggling with addiction. She knew she had to make a change on the inside for life to work on the outside.

CELEBRATE 75 YEARS WITH US

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

THE THREE C’S OF FAMILY PEACE

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CRM Exists to Transform the Lives of the Homeless and Needy, Serving Them Through the Love and Compassion of Jesus Christ.

PAMELA’S STORY: A CHANGE OF HEART When

Pam

entered

City

Rescue

Mission’s

Two days later, Pam

LifeBuilders Program on New Year’s Eve in 2019, she was

entered City Rescue

homeless and struggling with addiction. It was at that

Mission’s LifeBuilders

time, she knew she had to make a change on the inside

Program

for life to work on the outside.

recommendation From an early age, Pam was exposed to addiction.

She

grew

of

a

at

Drug

the Court

representative.

During

her

up with close family

time at CRM, Pam

members who struggled

has blossomed into

with

and

a person that she never thought she could be. “I always

she always swore that it

felt like I was stupid, but CRM helped me realized that

would never happen to

I just learn differently. I am capable of doing anything

her.

But at the young

that I set out to do and be successful. God loves me. He

age of 18, she had her

doesn’t make mistakes.” Pam is on track to complete

first sip of alcohol and in turn started down a road that she

the LifeBuilders Program in the Fall of 2021 and looks

was all too familiar with. “I first started drinking alcohol

forward to the day when she can truly live a victorious

when I was 18 and always drank to get drunk. I knew I had

life. “CRM has been life changing for me. I believe that I

a problem when all of my friends wanted to go home, and

have changed, and I want to do good. This is where God

I wanted to stay and drink. I did things that I always said I

wants me. I am at peace and my heart is finally able to

would never do because addiction had a hold of me.”

start healing. I am more confident about myself and I can

In 1991, Pam’s addiction reached another level when she

honestly say that I am a new creature in God – fearlessly

was introduced to drugs. From that moment on, she felt

and wonderfully made.”

alcoholism

like her life was no longer her own to lead.

Over the years, Pam knew she needed help.

She tried various recovery programs; attended AA and NA meetings, but sobriety for Pam was always just a temporary state. “I am not a stranger to recovery. I have done AA, NA and other 12-step programs along with other residential programs, but I think I really never got to the core of why I used and why I kept relapsing.”

Eventually, Pam would find herself behind bars because of her addiction, but little did she know that it would put her on a path to City Rescue Mission.

After spending two months in jail and completing a six-month Drug Court recovery program, Pam was released but still lacking the tools needed to live a successful and sober life, “I felt like I was dropped in the middle of the ocean and had to figure it out myself. I didn’t really take anything away from there.” In 2019, Pam found herself homeless after being kicked out by her roommate because of a relapse into her addiction. “When I got kicked out and I was in the hotel room – I think this was the first time I truly surrendered. I got to my knees and cried to God. I told God that it is just you and me. I have got to get help.”

PROVIDING HOPE, HEALING AND CHANGE SINCE 1946

SUPPORTER

SPOTLIGHT

JOIN US FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL DiFFERENCE MAKERS BANQUET celebrating

DEBRA STACK There is a good chance that when you walk into the doors of City Rescue Mission’s McDuff Campus, you will meet Debra. A loyal volunteer for nearly three years, Debra has made a significant impact at the Mission. Whether she is manning the reception area and greeting visitors, organizing hygiene donations or helping with special projects, Debra’s time and talents are a true blessing. A retired trainer from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Debra was determined to stay off her couch and keep active. She decided that she was going to spend her time helping others, giving back and “paying it forward.” Debra stays very busy as she volunteers with multiple organizations in addition to City Rescue Mission. What’s different about

MAY 6, 2021 AT 6 P.M. SOUTHBANK HOTEL JACKSONViLLE RiVERWALK FORMERLY THE LEXiNGTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

her time with CRM? Debra says that “you see where [the students] have been, what they have been through, and get to be a part of the end result.” Debra is a valued volunteer at City Rescue Mission and this quarter’s Supporter Spotlight!

You can now find some of your favorite CHARIS Chocolates treats at Cross Creek Steakhouse! While you are there for a delicious ribeye steak or juicy rack of ribs, make sure to save room for dessert! Cross Creek has partnered with CHARIS and now offers our CHARIS chocolate sauce, brownies, cookies and more.

All proceeds from the sale of CHARIS products go directly to transforming lives.

Network 850 S. Lane Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 SUN - THURS | 11:00 am to 10:00 pm FRI - SAT | 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

SPONSORSHiP PACKAGES AVAiLABLE! RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! VISIT CRMJAX.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PROVIDING HOPE, HEALING AND CHANGE SINCE 1946

Paul’s Ponderings

THE THREE C’S OF FAMILY PEACE

1.Construct a plan.

2.Communicate your heart.

3.Collect information.

To learn more, request our free bulletin “3 Ways to Avoid Family Heartache.”

Reply with the enclosed envelope or contact Angela Washington at (904) 421-5147 or awashington@crmjax.org. To bless your family with a God-honoring Will, go to christianwill.org/crm.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Board of Directors

CRMjax.org

• •

One (1) 15-Passenger Van - $20,000 Pavilion at New Life Inn - $30,000

• •

Red Barn renovation - $12,000 PPE Masks

For more information, please contact Angela Washington at (904) 421-5147 or awashington@crmjax.org.

Kendall Spencer, Chair Barbara Darby, Vice Chair Doug Milne, Secretary Brad Anderson Mark Anderson Marge Burgess Jim Dickenson All rights reserved.

Carrie Chupp Harper Robin Hyde Chad Perce Ed Perez

Trevor Ross Gary Walsh Andrea Williams Clay Yarborough

© Copyright 2020 - City Rescue Mission

PROVIDING HOPE, HEALING AND CHANGE SINCE 1946