News & Events
THE LIGHT: April 2021
Experiencing Restoration
“That’s what really saved me… It was honestly just giving my life over to Jesus Christ. “
Thank you for helping Corey discover hope and experience restoration!
Corey doesn’t make any excuses. He knows his troubles stemmed from bad choices he made himself.
Following his Army deployment to Afghanistan, Corey returned home and started abusing pain pills. He soon graduated to heroin, which held him captive for 11 years.
Losing everything
His addiction caused him to lose his marriage and destroyed his relationships with his two children, his mother, and the rest of his family.
More drug use led to more bad choices and he was eventually sentenced to prison. Because his root issues were never addressed, Corey fell into a pattern of getting out of prison, resuming his drug use, and getting back into trouble.
When he was about to be sent back to prison yet again, he finally came to the realization that he needed to enter rehab. The judge agreed to allow him to try and Corey found his way to The Potter’s House at Atlanta Mission.
He realized he had a lot to learn
“I mean, I didn’t know God, and I wasn’t spiritual,” he says. “Even in growing up, my family wasn’t spiritual in any way. We didn’t go to church. Even in my military service, I wasn’t spiritual. So, coming here was a real, new experience for me.”
“My biggest learning experience was finding God and surrendering to Him. That’s what really saved me. It wasn’t just a 12 step program. It was honestly just giving my life over to Jesus Christ.”
Filling a painful void
“Stemming from over a decade of drug use, I haven’t had any relationships with anybody, not even family,” he says.
But God has helped him restore his relationship with estranged family members, including his children, his mother, and his sister. Not only has he begun to trust others, but Corey has also begun to help others by sharing his experiences.
“I like just being able to talk to these guys and relate, because really my story lets them know that change can happen.”
Corey’s road to healing has been difficult, but he is determined to stay on the path. “I need to better myself and get right because it’s been so long since I’ve been sober and doing right,” he says. “But I want to continue in this, the joy I have for helping these guys.”
Thank you for helping making stories like Corey’s possible! Because of you, men, women, and children are experiencing restoration!
Atlanta Mission Transformation Model
Recovery from homelessness and addiction is a journey. Your partnership provides the opportunity for the healing and restoration that carries men, women, and children forward to a new life. Read these four stories of people on the journey to complete life transformation.
Find Hope
EMERGENCY SERVICES | Thank you for helping Nia FIND HOPE
Often when individuals come to us, they’re in survival mode. We aim to meet basic needs, including shelter, meals, showers, and laundry facilities, and provide a level of stability that creates space to build relationships.
When Nia and her children found themselves in the midst of a pandemic without a place to live, simply finding a safe place for her kids was vital.
“I have three kids to protect,” she says. “When I first came in through day services, I didn’t expect us to get a bed. But they gave me and my kids a bed. They helped us out and got us what we needed right away.”
Choose Help
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES | Thank you for helping Tyra CHOOSE HELP
Our ambassadors build relationships and trust with clients. Once a client has decided they want to address the underlying causes of their homelessness, they complete a comprehensive needs assessment in order to figure out the next steps.
I never expected to be homeless,” says Tyra. “I guess no one expects to be homeless.” She had gone to college and even graduated with a degree in Mandarin Chinese, so living on the streets was not something she ever thought she’d have to confront. Tyra came face-to-face with homelessness when she lost her job and then her apartment. She was faced with a decision: either choose homelessness or choose to reach out for help.
She’s grateful she found Atlanta Mission and is back taking classes. “I feel like with Atlanta Mission, they treat you as if you’re a regular person who has gone through an ordeal of situations and you’re just trying to get yourself together.”
Make Progress
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES | Thank you for helping Anthony MAKE PROGRESS
Each client follows a personalized service program based on their individual needs. Through these services, the goal is for them to become rooted in the community, retain employment, and become housing eligible.
Anthony has come a long way since he was devastated by his mother’s death. “I cried a lot at my mom’s funeral,” he says. “I didn’t realize I was holding that much pain inside of me. Many of my old friends have committed suicide or been killed from a rough life on the street.”
Now Anthony is experiencing restoration. He is looking forward to getting a job and supporting himself as he did before his mother’s death. “I’m so grateful for Atlanta Mission and I’m grateful for what I learned through the program,” Anthony says.
“I am grateful for the new friends I’ve made here and for my relationship with God. I’m hopeful for the things that are about to happen for me.”
Sustain and Grow
ALUMNI SERVICES | Thank you for helping Chaz SUSTAIN AND GROW
After they graduate from Make Progress, some clients will continue to live with us while they pursue housing options, while others have found their own housing. All are encouraged to stay in touch with their counselor or other trusted staff members as they work towards sustainable, independent living.
After Chaz lost his job and was forced to live in his car, he considered taking his own life. But then he found his way to Atlanta Mission. “A lot of love was shown to me when I first walked in,” he says. “I have so much gratitude for them because I didn’t have anything. It’s given me the opportunity to have a second chance.”
Chaz made the most of that chance. He found faith and saw God restore his marriage and his relationship with his son. Chaz started giving back to help other men and led two Bible studies a week. He is truly experiencing restoration. “I thank God every day for the Atlanta Mission and for all of you who donate to make life change take place every day.”
Thank you for making these stories possible! Read more stories like theirs at the button below.
Provide the key to someone’s life transformation!
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has been especially difficult formen, women, and children facing homelessness throughout our community. The next few months will be especially challenging.
As demand for our services grows, we will incur incremental costs, including meals, shelter, and elevated use of facilities.
Will you join us in supporting all of those who will come to our doors this year in search of hope and a home? You could help them experience restoration that would last a lifetime.
Your gift will provide life-changing care for a person in desperate need. Best of all, you’ll help them experience the love of Jesus, the love that changes everything!
Thank you!
