Changing lives . . . 50 years . . . the powerful legacy of the Mission that started in the rundown Bronx Hotel is still living the vision of its founder Howard Cooper. The mission of the Mission now more than ever is to open its doors to the hurting, homeless and spiritually lost people that desperately need a change to turn their lives around.
While the Mission has many ministries, one of the most transforming is the Christian Addiction Recovery and Education (C.A.R.E.) program, which brings men and women into a 13-month safe residential environment to battle and overcome their addictions. Some stumble through the Mission doors begging for help, some are court ordered and others are driven into the program by friends and family.
“A neighbor drove me to the Mission,” Marie says. “I am not court ordered to be here, but family ordered.”
What people find is love, acceptance and time to heal. But make no mistake! This is not a place to be coddled . . . the clients must work, and work hard.
“This is not for the weak of heart,” Lanette says. “The first 60 days are the hardest.”
Each phase is a steppingstone to a higher level of change until they stand on the stage of graduation. The smiles, tears and gratitude say it all – lives are still being transformed 50 years later. Some of their stories will be highlighted in coming Posts.
To celebrate our 50th anniversary and how the Mission has changed lives, we would love to share your stories if you have had a life changing experience through any of the Mission programs. Please submit them to rick@rsgm.org, or Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, Attn: Joan, P.O. Box 5956, Reno, NV 89513-5956. God Bless and Mission Forward!
