Over the following week, at least ten new people will check into the Mission. More will call hoping a bed is available.

Each of these people has a story. Many are battling addiction. That struggle is oftentied to trauma, loss, and abuse they experienced earlier in life.

Your gift of $25 or more is needed today to help someone like this rebuild their life.

I want to tell you about Danny. He came to us recently for help.

At his worst, Danny was drinking a liter of vodka every single day. It started as a coping mechanism. It ended up taking complete control of his life.

Danny was desperate to get sober. He showed up at the Mission. Straight away, he met Jason and Murray, two members of our team who overcame addictions of their own.

For the first time in a long time, Danny spoke with people who understood exactly what he was going through. Their message was clear: recovery is possible.

Now, Danny is ready to attend the addiction support meetings that take place at the Mission each week. He’s heard good things. He knows people in the group. Getting sober actually feels realistic.

This is the kind of life-changing support your gift makes possible.

Danny’s journey is far from over. He needs time in the shelter, support, and encouragement. But now, he has a real chance.

Danny is far from the only person who needs that chance, though. That’s why I need you to step in with a gift today.

Your gift of $25 or more provides the essentials that make recovery possible: a safe bed, stable meals, guidance from a case manager, and access to addiction support.

I know this process works. The stats show it. I’ve also seen it with my own eyes:

Adrian is seven months sober, and he’s a totally different person than he was when he arrived at the Mission.

When he got here, Adrian was outwardly angry, even aggressive. But he had access to the resources I described above – the same ones your gift can provide to someone else.

Adrian stopped drinking. He practiced healthier ways of coping with his stress. He spoke with others who got sober here in Grand Forks, and he asked them how they did it.

Adrian started making some very good decisions. He paid off his housing debt. About a month ago, he moved into his own apartment. He actually had a pep in his step as he walked out of this place. He isn’t yelling anymore. He is smiling.

There are two versions of every person battling addiction. One is the man arriving tonight, depressed, tired, and trapped in addiction. Danny.

The second is a man who, months from now, is sober and employed. He’s living on his own. He’s reconnected with his family. Adrian.

The difference between those two versions is the help a person receives when they show up at the door. That’s why your support matters so much.

Will you please make a gift of $25 or more to give someone food, shelter, and addiction support? With your help, Danny or someone like him can be the next Adrian.

God Bless,

Elaina Wickman
Executive Director
Northlands Rescue Mission


P.S. Please make your gift today to give someone like Danny the chance to turn their life around.‍‍