Blog, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Stephanie, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Stephanie, Stories of Reshaped Lives I used drugs socially until 2009. I was living a normal life with a job and my own apartment. Suddenly my mother passed away, and it sent me into a deep depressive state. Her death felt like a big part of me was missing. My dad and little sister depended
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Sharon, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Sharon, Stories of Reshaped Lives I am a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I pray that someday my descendants will thank God for the seeds that I am sowing today. I grew up in church and accepted Jesus as my savior, and was baptized at a young age. Circumstances in my preteen years caused me to
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Tell Your Story
Tell Your Story Storytelling is fascinating. Powerful and persuasive, a story can create action, teach important lessons, change minds, and evoke emotion where there was none before. What is this power? How can you harness it? Why should you? December 26th, 2003. My family and I (12) headed to the theater to watch Return of
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Heather, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Heather, A Reshaped Life Themed birthday parties: check Disney World vacation: check High school academia team: check State all-star athlete: check Five bedroom home: check Although my Mama and Daddy made me the center of their universe, I still felt alone, lost, and empty because of the extreme dysfunction of their relationship. My Daddy was
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Candice, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Candice, Stories of Reshaped Lives I started to take prescription drugs to help me sleep. Then my father suddenly passed away, a man who had adopted me and raised me as his own. He was my rescuer, protector, and my calm. Trying to find a “feeling of escape”, I began taking more than the prescribed
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Be Not Afraid - The Power of Hope and Kindness
Be Not Afraid – The Power of Hope and Kindness “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will
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Sexual what?
Sexual What? Integrity. Can the words sexual and Integrity be used together? Yes, they can. Of all the areas in our lives that need honesty and morals, sexuality should be at the top of the list. This is an area where so many scars and wounds have been formed by past mistakes. Usually, at a time in our life
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Don't Forget to Remember
Don’t Forget to Remember By Julia Charleston As I reflect on my life, I can see that God has held my hand since I was a little girl. Even before I believed in Him, He has always believed in me- known and loved me. My life has been filled with adversity, which God has walked
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Christmas Spirit
It can be challenging for me to get in the Christmas Spirit. Not because of anything nefarious or some jaded sentiments. As I transitioned to adulthood, Christmas felt like a pale imitation of what it once was. Now, my growing family’s infectious love of the holiday has reignited my Christmas Spirit in a way I
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Volunteer Highlight: Tommy Schrock
What difference can you make? You would be surprised. Being an influential force in someone’s life is simple as being there, ears active and heart open. The men and women needing your influence are on our campuses right now. Tommy Schrock, a four-year volunteer at The Foundry, knows how powerful volunteering can be. “You have
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Year End Giving Plan
The holiday season is fantastic for so many reasons. Not only do we participate in celebrations and festivities, but we also spend time with the ones we love. Our schedules through the end of 2022 will become increasingly full. It can be easy to forget another important aspect of putting a close to 2022, year-end
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Left Behind
Left Behind Flames rage out of every window. Black smoke billows from the rooftop. I hear glass breaking. Red flashing lights are reflecting off the surrounding buildings as my rescue partner and I arrive on the scene of this burning apartment complex. As we run up to the second floor to assist the fire crew
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Spider Webs
Spider Webs We dedicated our backyard in the spring and summer to plants that would attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The yard has been colorful and busy! Every day we check for unique creatures that have stopped by for a taste and a rest. We spotted a huge scary spider in a glorious golden
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Amber: Stories of Reshaped Lives
My name is Amber Collins. I was in addiction for over 20 years. My first memories of pain and fear started at three years old when I was molested in Sunday School. My mother was also verbally and physically abused. The enemy came after me in church because I am a threat to him. I
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Wonderment of Joy
Wonderment of Joy I sometimes forget that life was worry-free at one point. I recently posted a photo on my social media page of me at 7 years old showing off the boots that I’d begged Santa for. I couldn’t believe he knew my size and even got me the exact pair I’d asked for!
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The Answer is No
The Answer is No Recently, I was listening to music and came across a line that has stuck with me: “Where do we go when our prayers are answered, but the answer is no?” Too often in life, hearing those two simple letters can derail everything we are working towards. We often have a black-and-white
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Volunteer Highlight: Ashley
How long have you been volunteering at The Foundry? I have been volunteering at The Foundry for about three years. During this time, I have primarily led small groups and participated in serve opportunities through my church. Why are you so passionate about The Foundry? Being able to share God with these ladies is a joy
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I'm Still Here
I’m Still Here Cars weave around you on the interstate like bumper cars. Your Amazon packages are arriving faster than you remember ordering them. Color options on your calendar have run out. Work and social life are in a constant slugfest over who has priority. Even church is rushed, in and out of the service,
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Let’s Go for a Walk
Let’s Go for a Walk Ah, the oppressive summer heat is fading, and I can feel fall in the air – let’s go for a walk! While we walk, let’s share our hopes, disappointments, and fears. Or, while we walk, let’s tell funny stories and giggle like children. Or, while we walk, let’s enjoy nature
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Is it fact, or is it truth?
Is it fact, or is it truth? If you have had the pleasure of making my “humble” acquaintance (lol), you may be aware that I am a huge fan of graphic t-shirts. Many of which have been printed from my thoughts. One of my graphic tees asks a question. “Is it Fact or is it
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Betsy Kopecky, Volunteer Highlight
I have been volunteering at The Foundry for 21 years. I love being a small part of showing the hope and mercy of the Lord to the women at The Foundry. The Lord has sent me a ‘gift of encouragement’ many times, and if I can be a bringer of encouragement to the women, it
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Red Cars
Red Cars I recently read a quote on Denzel Washington’s social media page that I’ve been ruminating on: “Easy to spot a red car when you’re always thinking of a red car.” I asked God to show me what my red cars are. I naturally assumed they were the people that The Foundry serves, so
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I See Miracles
It was the middle of the night, and the children were sound asleep despite the blaring sirens, flashing lights, and medical personnel rushing through the house. The new neighbor across the street came over, introduced herself, and asked if there was anything she could do to help. “Can you stay with the kids while I
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Running to Disaster
Running to Disaster My eyes jump wide open as the alarm tone disrupts my sleep, and I feel my pulse rate increase. As the disorientation clears, I wonder what it will be this time; car accident, house fire, water rescue, or a small child not responding? This scenario played out many times as I spent
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The Power of Willingness and Attitude
Major life-change tips I have learned during my six years of counseling are the power of willingness and attitude as they relate to the change process. The Cambridge Dictionary defines willingness as “the quality of being happy to do something if it is needed.” I like this definition more than others I have come across
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Tina, Volunteer Highlight
How long have you been volunteering at The Foundry? I have been volunteering at the Foundry for eight wonderful years. Why are you so passionate about The Foundry? I believe that our past does not define us, and it does not have to hold us back. The Foundry provides a place where men and women
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Workplace Prayer: a great tool
My life fits together like a puzzle—job, home, hobby, church, interests, and more. I feel fragmented. The pieces won’t come together quite right. For most of us, the most challenging interaction of pieces is that of faith and work. How do I inject my faith into my work? How do I hold firm when faced
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Monthly Newsletter July 2022
The Farm Chapel is being built! Thank you to Cullman Savings Bank and all of our other supporters for making this possible! David Ozment, known as Dave, was one of our most incredible supporters. His passing earlier this year was and is heartbreaking. He cared deeply for our participants and staff. We invite you to
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He sent an Angel to tell me so
He sent an Angel to tell me so “But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ….” My minister is fond of saying that Mark 16:7 is his favorite verse in the Bible. It has become one of my favorite verses because it is a story of grace. Mark 16:7 The Message 6-7 “He said, ‘Don’t be
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Suzanna - Volunteer Highlight
Finding your calling and living it out is one of the most rewarding experiences. While many find their calling through work, family, or hobbies, we believe that volunteering is one of the best ways to find one. Suzanne knew she had found a calling at The Foundry. “The first night I walked into The Foundry
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David Ozment
Earlier this year, one of our most fervent supporters, David Ozment, passed away. He was instrumental to The Foundry Farm’s success, one of his premiere projects being our egg-laying henhouse. He meant a great deal to our participants and took an active interest in their lives. He also meant a great deal to our staff.
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Headline: Real People
Headline: Real People “Overdose epidemic.” “Opioid Crisis.” “Rising Homelessness.” These are all headlines that repeatedly hit our news feeds. Are they true? Sure. Do they tell the whole story? Not at all. Addiction recovery is messy and complicated. When a complex issue is generalized, it can create stereotypes that are simply untrue. These misconceptions become
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Close My Eyes
CLOSE MY EYES This moment in time is always so odd. My third child will be born sometime in the next two weeks. I am apprehensive and incredibly excited. Soon we will be rushing to the hospital, dealing with doctors, calling parents, and meeting a new family member. Absolute chaos. But for now, we wait.
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Keep Moving Forward
Keep Moving Forward The earth is always moving. It never stops. It makes a full rotation around the sun in a 24-hour period. The sun makes its appearance every 12 hours – give or take. Some days are beautiful and sunny, without a cloud in the bright blue sky. and then some days bring dreary,
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Golden Scars
Golden Scars She sat with her head down, looking only at the table. C shared very little of herself, speaking only when spoken to. She never made eye contact with anyone. She was very quiet and meek; you could tell life had knocked her down one too many times. Our group met every Monday morning…a
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A New Beginning Away From Addiction
A New Beginning Away From Addiction The ending of Shawshank Redemption has an incredible moment. The film deals with many of the same issues and themes we face here at The Foundry. Redemption, freedom, friendship, time, patience, loyalty, and hope. After living a life of drug abuse, how do I live after addiction? There is
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What is a Heart for Hope?
What is a Heart for Hope? What does a Heart for Hope look like? The first thing that comes to mind is my mother and father. As I reflect on their lives and choices, three aspects of a Heart for Hope come to mind. 1. A Compulsion to GO When my parents decided to follow
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Year-End Giving Win/Win
The end of the year is quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to create a charitable win/win. Make sure you do not miss this window of opportunity to make the most impact and benefit from the 2021 tax deductions offered to you. How to create a win/win? Donate financially to The Foundry before
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Two minutes today could give THOUSANDS to The Foundry
Two minutes today could give THOUSANDS to The Foundry Online shopping has made buying a gift for your loved ones during the holidays incredibly easy. If you shop with Amazon, there is a quick and easy way to make sure some of your purchase is donated to The Foundry! It’s called AmazonSmile. It’s free and
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We wish you knew
We wish you knew Addiction is the most devastating disease in our society. It is pervasive and indiscriminate. We wish more people knew how broadly it affects every community. Darrell Garrett, Chief Operating Officer at The Foundry, says it best. “Addiction does not discriminate—it can affect anyone, no matter your race, national origin, ethnic background,
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50th Anniversary Celebration
30% of nonprofits will close their doors after ten years. (Nation Center on Charitable Statistics) It takes an incredible amount of vision, dedication, hard work, passion, and blessings to make it to fifty years. and we think that is a great reason to celebrate, look back, and be thankful. Our 50th Anniversary Celebration Event was
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David: Fifty for Fifty
David: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years I had lived more than half my life lost in addiction. I first got high when I was 13 years old, then spent the next 17 years of my life chasing that escape from life, trying to fill a void. I’ve seen both sides of addiction. The best way
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Counseling at The Foundry
Counseling at The Foundry The Foundry Way Program Components are: Counseling Case Management Education Employment Readiness Aftercare Counseling: The pastoral counseling department lies at the heart of The Foundry’s discipleship model. Program participants are assigned to one of our counselors upon entry into our program and will remain with that counselor during their residential stay.
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Making MELONade
Making MELONade Sweet Encouragement in a Sour World My seventy-six-year-old Aunt Dockie has endured significant setbacks in her health. She’s had a massive stroke, fights with Emphysema, and suffered severe injuries after multiple falls. She had to learn to rely on her left hand after a stroke caused paralysis to her right. She had to
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Kenan: 50 for 50
Kenan: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years I was 27 years old when I entered The Foundry, having battled opiates for over eight years. After my last arrest, my parents refused to bail me out until I had somewhere to go for help. That “help” was The Foundry Farm in Cullman. I had been raised
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Amber: Fifty for Fifty
Amber: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years Life in recovery is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. It requires determination, diligence, and patience. You have to follow through with it every day once you commit to changing your life. The Foundry helped me realize that all the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not knowing you
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Farrah: Fifty for Fifty
Farrah: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years I can’t speak for other rehabs, but The Foundry didn’t feel like rehab at all. The love I experienced there was beyond my expectations, and I needed that! It truly is “where lives are reshaped by the hands of God.” I met God in a fresh new way because
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Ashley Cox: Fifty for Fifty
Ashley Cox: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years Almost 6 years ago, I was at my rock bottom. Drugs had replaced all the important things in my life, and my relationships with my friends and family were broken. When I came to the Foundry, the staff worked patiently with me. Over the next 12 months, they
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A Year With The Virus
A Year With The Virus It happened suddenly. I was talking to my friend Linsday. Her husband was taking a new job in New York, and we were discussing the move. She was excited about the prospect of moving to the big city and the challenges that would come with it. Then we got the
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Hunter: Fifty for Fifty
Hunter: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years I was an opiate addict for thirteen years and an IV heroin user for four of those years. I was caught up in the cycle of addiction and thought I’d never get out of it. For twelve of those years, I was a functioning addict. The year before I
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Mary: Fifty for Fifty
Mary: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years Mary is a mother of three and a grandmother of four. She graduated from The Foundry in 2003. What led her to The Foundry? “I was sick and tired of being on crack cocaine. I was tired of the way my life was spiraling downhill, and I wanted help.
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Michael: Fifty for Fifty
Michael Gilbert: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years I spent a total of 32 years in prison, 17 of those in federal prison. I was convicted of bank robbery, escape, and assault. I received a life sentence from the State of Alabama in 1998. I made parole in 2009, however, I was placed back into federal
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At Home With Coach
At Home With Coach Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to adapt in all of our programs. Everything from cooking to preaching has been reviewed, altered, and occasionally improved. Our most recent change was to our Leadership Breakfast, a huge event that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for our programs. This year we went virtual.
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The Foundry Way
The Foundry Way The Foundry Way is a philosophy and a process. First, why The Foundry Way? In an effort to avoid the pitfall that so many organizations have fallen into, our leadership recognized that we needed to create a framework to build program services upon. A framework that was not staff-dependent or personality-driven would
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Ralph: Fifty for Fifty
Ralph: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years Close your eyes and imagine what someone struggling with an addiction looks like. There’s a good chance that what you imagined looks nothing like Ralph. The phrase, “You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” normally means, the inside is better than the outside. For Ralph, it was just
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2020: A Year in Review
2020: A Year in Review Despite the many difficulties of 2020, The Foundry achieved some impactful accomplishments. We celebrated 117 graduates that navigated their recovery journeys, a journey that is hard enough without the stresses of a pandemic. Our logistic and distribution team implemented a new dispatch system, which streamlines our donation pickups and provides
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Judy: Fifty for Fifty
Judy: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years My name is Judy, and I live in Fultondale. I have two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. I knew I needed help when I lost another job and was bout to lose my house again. My children said they no longer wanted to see me and prevented me
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CARES Act, Year End Giving
The end of the year is quickly approaching and now is the perfect time to create a charitable win/win. Make sure you do not miss this window of opportunity to make the most impact and benefit from the 2020 tax deductions offered to you. How to create a win/win? Donate financially to The Foundry before
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The Genesis Process
Core to The Foundry’s recovery process is the curriculum we use. Faith guides every aspect of our programs, and The Genesis Process is a big piece of that puzzle. Developed by Michael Dye, this curriculum combines “both Biblical and neuro-chemical understanding of what is broken that causes us to be self-destructive.” Understanding your addiction is
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Brian - Stories of Reshaped Lives
“The Foundry gave me direction. It gave me a starting point to where I could become a new believer, a Christian who is on fire for worship. It gave me a direction I could have in my music, becoming a worship leader at Daystar.” Graduates are part of what makes The Foundry so great! Their
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Jeannie, Volunteer Focus
Jeannie frequents The Foundry for a number of ministry purposes. She nourishes bodies by providing monthly meals to participants. During this time, she often brings family members along to serve, which fosters a Christian home and marriage model to many who have never witnessed such. She spends many hours nourishing souls by mentoring on a
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Wallace, Stories of Reshaped Lives
My name is Wallace, I’m 40 years old and I worked and used drugs for Satan. My life was a mess for 20+ years. I’d been to numerous rehabs but they all lacked one thing in helping in my recovery, God. The Foundry has helped me grow spiritually, and become more conscious of living a
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Cyndi, Stories of Reshaped Lives
I’ve had 10 years of addiction in pain pills, meth, and marijuana. What the Foundry has done for me is restore my relationship with Jesus. It is something I lost along the way due to sin. It has brought hope, structure, and discipline back into my life. The curriculum courses have been truly amazing. It
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I am Chosen: Monthly Prayer
I am Chosen John 15:16 (NIV) 16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. What’s even more astounding to me is the reason He chose me.
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Volunteer: How to stay involved
https://foundryministries.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/04/VolunteerThanks_Micah.mp4 Hello Friends, During the social distancing period, we have some ways you can support the men and women in our programs. One way to do this is to share a video message of encouragement through Facebook and tag The Foundry. Another way to show your support is by creating care packages from the security
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I am Redeemed: Monthly Prayer
When I hear the word ‘redeemed’ in my head, I immediately start singing “I am redeemed, You set me free. So I’ll shake off these heavy chains, and wipe away every stain. Now I’m not who I used to be, I am redeemed”. God has set each of us free by His redemption and love.
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I am loved: Monthly Prayer
I am loved Jesus loves me this I know For the Bible tells me so Little ones to Him belong They are weak but He is strong Yes Jesus loves me For the Bible tells me so Jeremiah 31:1 As children we learned and sang this song, believing the lyrics to be true with all
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Year Theme: Elevate
But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. Deuteronomy 6:23 The story of Moses is one of ins and outs. He fled out of his home after killing a slavemaster and returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. He led the
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I am His, Monthly Prayer Devotional
We know that God has a plan for us and that He accepts and loves us. Monthly Prayer devotional: I am His
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Thank You for a GREAT 2019!
Thank You for a GREAT 2019! As 2019 draws to a close and we reflect on the blessings we have received this year, we cannot help but to think of you. Your support has been a treasured asset to this ministry that we cannot operate without. We are grateful for every prayer you have prayed
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Macy, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Macy, Stories of Reshaped Lives No one intentionally wants to be battered, abused, and living on the streets. Macy sure didn’t. Having grown up in the church, she knew of God, but never really “knew” Him. Macy told us “Had I known of His great love for me, I never would’ve gone searching for love.”
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Peace
Join us for our Monthly Prayer: My God is Peace. Don't let the world keep you from feeling the peace God provides.
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Thanksgiving Meal 2020
When men and women enter our program, they become part of what we affectionately call “The Foundry Family.” Thanksgiving is something you do with family.
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Donate Your Car - Change a Life
You may see grandma’s old 1965 Thunderbird or the “Lemon” sitting in your front yard as junk, but to the men and women in our program struggling with addiction it’s so much more!
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Giving Christmas to those in need
It's the holiday season. Send a gift to those that need it most. Giving Christmas meets the needs of those in our programs.
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My God is Present
Join us for our monthly prayer, My God is Present. God is always there for us even when we do not see him.
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The Shift in Security Amidst Support
There are a lot of transitions that participants need to make both physically and mentally. What are some of these shifts and what do they look like practically.
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Case Managers at The Foundry Ministries
Case Management is key to successful recovery. Learn what our Case Managers here at The Foundry do to help participant get their life back on track.
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Boxes of Hope: A Thanksgiving Dinner for those in Need
This Thanksgiving, the neighbors of this community will be receiving a special holiday blessing generously provided by supporters of The Foundry.
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Musings: What do you want me to do for you?
I love that God’s Word is sacred, holy, and timeless! The following are a few observations and questions for pondering and reflection:
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Trustworthy
Join us in our monthly prayer: My God is Trustworthy. Let's thank God for his unfailing Word.
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The Acumen of Acceptance in Accountability
Accountability is typically not an attractive word. Much of the negative emotional reactivity to recovery comes from misinformation about what words mean.