Dear Friends,
As I read Jason’s story in this newsletter, I am reminded how powerful a “new direction” can be when someone finally finds hope after years of struggle.
Despite the years of battling addiction and hopelessness, Jason didn’t give up. The trials he faced brought him to the Mission and to a life of faith, sobriety and hope.
In the book of James, we are reminded: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3).
Jason’s story reflects this truth—that even through suffering, God is at work shaping something new.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Right now, we are going through a season of perseverance at the Mission. At the end of June, we transitioned Harvest Farm from its long-running recovery program to serve as an emergency shelter for men experiencing homelessness. This will bridge the gap until the new Homeless Resolution Center opens, at which point Harvest Farm will close.
This was not done lightly. Tears have been shed. Many moments of prayer. This decision weighs heavily on our hearts, yet we believe it is vital to our long-term ability to help more people, more effectively. Men in our recovery program were connected individually with our case managers to ensure a supported transition for each of them. Recovery services will continue when the new center opens, including the newly licensed Pathways of Life Recovery Services (PLRS) you will read about in this edition.
Harvest Farm has been central to this community’s work since the Mission acquired it in 1988. We are grateful for every partner, volunteer and donor who helped more than 850 men graduate from the New Life Program and restore countless families. The new center will honor that legacy by expanding what we can offer to the people we serve.
Our commitment to northern Colorado is growing, with support from the community to open a next-generation center for homelessness resolution. Even in difficult transitions, God’s faithfulness continues to shine through. As He has for so many years, He provides for every step ahead.
Thank you for standing with us, praying with us and continuing to care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness during this journey.
Grace and peace,
Dennis Van Kampen
President/CEO
This post is part of July’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Jason’s story of overcoming addiction with the support of the Mission’s New Life Program in: A New Direction.
