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A Bridge to Life!

When Marie and her two children first came to City Rescue Mission, all three were so weary and cold that they ate quickly and climbed right under the warm covers in our emergency shelter bunks.

A few days later, the family had recuperated enough to ask a few questions about our recovery program.  As Marie listened to a description of our new Bridge to Life program, she liked what she heard.

“It was her opportunity to provide a better life for her kids and she jumped at the chance!” says Steve Robertson, program director. 

In her first 30 days in Bridge to Life, Marie learned more about the Gospel and how biblical principles could be applied in her life.  From there, she entered “Bridge One” of the program and soon discovered that her understanding of salvation and what the Bible said were two different things!  “At that point, she told us, ‘I’m not a Christian, but I want to be one,’” recalls Steve.

As Marie moved through each of the program’s three “bridges,” she completed Teen Challenge curriculum, attended 120 hours of occupational therapy, participated in weekly encounter and community groups addressed parenting, budgeting, anger management and health issues, all from a biblical perspective.

At the same time, her children participated in our after-school program, receiving tutoring assistance, attending Girl Scouts and participating in recreation, activities and classes that helped them grow stronger spiritually, emotionally and academically.

“Marie’s family and other families and individuals in recovery program take real ownership of their recovery,” Steve says.  “They hold each other accountable in encounter and community groups, they help set rules and reward each other.  It’s powerful when others on the program call you down for relapsing or poor behavior.  That’s good peer pressure!”

In October 2006, Marie celebrated her graduation from the program.  “At first I didn’t accept the life-changing lessons I experienced,” she says.  “Then I realized the program and people were here to help me find a better way in life.  I have been clean from drugs for nine months and have a lot better relationship with God.  I am more responsible and a better mother.  I am obtaining my GED and will start college soon!