Darwin's story

I want to share with you a story we recently sent out to our direct mail subscribers. It's the story of Darwin, a resident at The Oaks.

Darwin spent many years in and out of the shelter. He says he batted alcoholism and substance abuse for many years. He remembers taking his first drink when he was 12 years old. During the years, he had a family, but it couldn't survive the challenges he faced.

One day, Darwin had an epiphany. It doesn't matter what inspired it. What matters is what he did with it. He came to Shepherds of Good Hope and became a participant in the managed alcohol program. I've blogged often about MAP and we've run several stories on Facebook and our website about this innovative program. If you're interested, you can check out the link provided.

It's not an overstatement to say MAP saved Darwin's life. At The Oaks, he has his own room. There is staff who monitor his health. They make sure he eats three meals a day. He can socialize with the other residents or he can spend time in his room. There's no more excessive drinking. He's probably the healthiest he has been in several years.

More importantly, finding stability in his life, improving his health has helped him reconnect with his son. When we spoke to Darwin, it was clear there was no more important person in his life than his son and his son's family. Darwin is a grandfather, too, and he loves to dote on his two grandsons.

He's thankful for what Shepherds of Good Hope has done for him. He knows, too, that we're able to help men and women like him because so many people in the community donate money, time and goods.

This Thanksgiving, Darwin will be with his family. But there will be many men and women in our care who won't have a home to go to this Thanksgiving. They are part of the Shepherds of Good Hope family. Please help us this Thanksgiving by making a donation. Let the men and women know they have not been forgotten this holiday.