Success Stories
Bradley
I trashed my life with cocaine. I lost my job. I had a stroke. I lost my apartment and my mind. I was living homeless at a local mission. Someone had mentioned to me that you could make phone calls here (Dégagé Ministries) for cheap and so I came to investigate that opportunity and then found out that they helped with IDs, gave a place to have a private shower, get a hygiene bag on Thursdays, have legal counsel for free and have someone read and write for me because my stroke had left me disabled for reading and comprehension.
I came for two 20 minute sessions a week with a social work intern for reading mail and prioritizing my planner for weekly calendar appointments. I was allowed chaperoned phone calls to make sure the information I received at the other end of the phone call was stored in a file with my name on it so it could be checked on by other interns and workers. I was doing this while trying to go back to having my own living quarters.
I think of the Christ like agape that the employees, staff, and interns shed on my path. The genuine interest in my personhood that I experienced still brings me to tears.
My life had become an empty, lonely world to the point of not being able to see my own children because of drugs. The family atmosphere and the genuine interest in my personhood restored social skills, a desire to live and an increased passion to live the Christian life again. It was also filled with wholesome adult moments thinking about life and living and how we could all do it better in cooperation… and still have the workers and interns at Dégagé Ministries help all the needs of the people that entered day by day over the 2 months I used the services of the this place called Dégagé Ministries.
Darcey
Darcey, a 38-year-old former crack addict and prostitute came to the Open Door in crisis on August 8, 2004. She was homeless, jobless and penniless. She has been drug free for over a year now and is employed full time with the U.S. postal service. Darcey recently bought a new car and doesn't hesitate to provide transportation for other women who share her difficulties both past and present. She says, "I am so grateful for the staff at the Open Door. They helped me get my life back. I still come every week for individual counseling and to talk with the women about recovery. I feel so good about myself.”
Lori
“I still remember the first time I ever heard of Degage Ministries,” said Lori Rameriz-King, a part-time staff member in the Open Door. “Looking through the Grand Rapids Press I came across a picture of someone I knew. I began reading the article about the Open Door program that featured the director, Shellie Cole who had suffered from drug addiction and had been in prison. The article talked about how she was now reaching out to other women and helping them make life changing decisions. I had suffered from drug addiction and incarceration myself, and I was deeply moved by this article. Even with over four years of being clean, I felt hopeless and thought all doors had been shut for me. Reading about Shellie filled me with hope for the first time. I decided to call her and tell her how the article about her and the Open Door gave me great hope, and that I would like to meet her and if possible volunteer in the Open Door. She called me back and there began my relationship with Degage.
I began volunteering every Friday night and by doing so, I got to know Shellie, who has been instrumental in helping me change my life. She is always there with words of encouragement, hope and wisdom. I got to know the women and was able to help those who suffered just like I had. My life is forever changed because of this ministry!
I am now an employee of this wonderful ministry. Degage has become my extended family where I see God’s work daily. I am also continuing my education in the field of social work and I'm excited about my future. I now know and realize with great thankfulness and gratitude that all things work together for the good of them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Cynthia
Prostitution and drug use became a way of life for this 50-year-old, a recovering addict. "I was so tired of walking the street. I was too tired to get high anymore. I'd come in the drop-in center at two or three in the morning and I'd get so much encouragement from Shellie. That encouragement helped me to get clean and stay clean. I've been clean for nine solid months now,” she exclaims. I have my own apartment and I'm a student at Grand Rapids Community College. If I can do it, anybody can," she proclaims.
Chassidy
Chassidy slept on the street before utilizing the drop-in center. "The Open Door staff was there when I needed someone to talk to. They just kept pushing me to get help and a place before my daughter was born. They gave me referrals and told me about different places that could help me. With their help and encouragement, I now have a two bedroom house that I'm renting. I'm married and I got to keep my baby girl,” said Chassidy. "Being homeless without anyone by your side and no place to go is very hard and depressing, but also it is an experience that I'm glad that I went through and that I had the staff at Open Door to help. Thank you Pam, Shellie, and Lucretia," she added.
Angel
The first day Angel Garcia walked into Degage Ministries, the volunteers and staff fell in love with the twinkle in his eye and the strength he displayed. His is a story of triumph - but it is not something that came quickly or easily. Over the last year, Angel has overcome many odds. He has tackled numerous challenges and proven that diligence is rewarding.
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:11-12
Since Angel's first visit, Degage Ministries has had the honor of helping him obtain the medical services he needs, a driver's license, an apartment, referrals for furniture, and a United States resident card. Although Angel credits others for his success, his achievements are a direct result of his faithfulness.
Angel's story:
"I am from Cuba. I have lived in the United States for 27 years. I am a fisherman. I have called myself a fisherman for the last 16 years, but I am too old to be a fisherman now. The cold weather was difficult for me so I moved to Grand Rapids to start again - to begin a new life. I have been here for just over a year.
When I came to Grand Rapids I lived in the mission for maybe 2 months. After that, I got an apartment in the Herkimer Hotel and I live there still today. I started working in an AARP Program and found out that I could go to Michigan Works. I saw the opportunity to go to truck driving school. My English at that moment was not too good. I needed to get my GED before I could go to truck driving school. I spent about 4 months getting my GED. After that, I went to truck driving school - Michigan CDL. I graduated on January 12th. I am a professional truck driver.
Because I am poor, I didn't have a car to go to school. I woke up every day at 4:00 a.m. to take the bus to school. I went to class from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I walked to the bus stop 1 mile each way. I am doing everything! I got my professional certificate!
I want to especially thank Degage Ministries for helping me every time I come here. I want to especially thank the AARP too. These two organizations gave me all the help I needed to put my life on track."
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Angel recently accepted a job with a driving company in Indiana. Although we will miss him greatly, we are excited to see him begin a new journey. Angel is especially excited to travel the country and sleep in his truck - complete with a TV and DVD player.
Congratulations Angel. We are proud of you!