Make a Bed, Save a Life

“My life was in jeopardy until I got here and I don’t know if I would have made it another day. 'Thank you' sounds so insignificant compared to what you have done for me."

“Because of you I am being the father I never thought I could be to my children."

“I’m 36 years old and if I was put back out on the street without the program I would be in the same cycle, waiting to die.”

One afternoon, GCF’s Ray Watson opened his mail and found several thank-you letters. Reading them, he found the testimonials above from clients of Sojourner Recovery Services. The residential program traditionally treats women for substance abuse, but had recently expanded to include men. Eight spots for men were established and a GCF grant paid for the men’s counselor.

The letters from the first men to go through the program were heartfelt. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity not only to get clean, but also to take the GED program and other classes that will help me stay on the right path,” another letter read. As the program officer who helped Sojourner through the grant process, Ray was the point person for the men's gratitude.

“This was a really vivid example of GCF putting dollars to good use,” Ray said. “It’s an example of the ways our donors can affect individuals, not just a system. These beds will have a long-term impact.”

Read more about Sojourner Recovery Services.