The words “Merry Christmas” may seem to come a little early. But we thought they were just a perfect way to describe the joy that has filled the life of Bill Seibert since he graduated from DAP in 1995, 22 years ago! WOW!
Both of us (Cliff and Freddie) were blessed when we attended Bill’s wedding in Washington in November 2003. His wife, Lilia, and 9-year-old son, Billy, are happy and blessed living in their beautiful home deeded to them by Bill’s father after improving and maintaining the property for the past 16 years. His step-daughter, Nikki, is married with two children. His oldest son, Nathan, and wife, Sofia, just celebrated their third wedding anniversary. Bill has worked at the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services for the past 12 years as a medical supply purchaser overseeing purchasing and inventory at four locations. His job description includes coordinator for the State supplied vaccines for children and administrator for the Federally required safety program.
When Bill recalls where he was 22 years ago, his testimony today shows how very far God has brought him:
“When I pause, and think about my life now, I must remember where I came from and how I got here. I can truly say that without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and DAP, I wouldn’t be here today.
The memories of my arrival at DAP are still very fresh in my mind, even after 22 years. I was a mess! Years of addictions to marijuana and methamphetamine had left me pretty much done and I know it was the Holy Spirit giving me the strength and clarity of thought to ask the Harris’ for help.
When I pleaded for just a bed to sleep on, I didn’t have a dollar to my name. I was being evicted from my apartment and my other choices for housing would not have been good for me. I am so grateful, even to this day, that Mr. and Mrs. Harris accepted me. My life was saved that very day.
DAP provided a safe, nurturing environment where I could learn about my addictions and their underlying causes. The group sessions, one-on-one counseling, speaking engagements, regular church attendance and daily Bible study helped me shed my old self and become a new creature in Christ. For this, I will always be thankful.
I knew that living in the recovery home was not free. I knew that I would work for half of the cost and the other half would need to be raised somehow. I know my mom and dad contributed what they could and it was hard for them. But there were others that also invested in my future, people that I never knew or met. I wish I could somehow tell them all that their sacrifice was valued and has paid off in BIG dividends that have affected my life and others for the better.
I hope some of them read this letter and will see in “living color” the difference they made not only in my life but in the lives of other men just like me.
With much gratitude – Bill Seibert and Family.”
This is just one of many stories which have been the result of your gifts to “My Brother’s Keeper” Scholarship Fund here at DAP. This fund provides a number of greatly needed services to the men in DAP, including (besides food, clothing and housing), individual, group and family counseling, spiritual and work therapy and recreational activities – an accomplished facility to prepare the men to be productive citizens of society.
Five men, Marshall Davis, Duncan Nyangau, Pierre Jackson, Tim Mattingly and Kendrick Mobley have been promoted to Phase V – graduate candidates scheduled to graduate in May 2017. At present, there are eight men. Also, one family is paying the full monthly tuition of $900 and a church family is paying $500 for the second one. We are happy to report, since the launch date, May 7, 2016, we have received $23,000! The cost for the rest of the men in total is $5,800 monthly/$70,000 yearly. Our goal is to raise $47,000 by the end of the year to start the New Year with funds restricted for these clients.
As Christmas approaches, we ask you to please remember “My Brother’s Keeper” Scholarship Fund in your holiday plans. At this time of year, it is important to stop and reflect on the joys and blessings in your own life while also being aware that not everyone is so fortunate.
Please consider setting aside part of your budget to support this worthwhile scholarship fund with a tax-deductible charitable love gift.
This Christmas you can change the life of another “Bill” with your gift to the DAP “My Brother’s Keeper” Scholarship fund. And just think about this good news – while you may not get to meet the person whose life you’ve help change – all through eternity you will be able to share the closeness you have with someone who comes up to you and says: “I’m here because of you!”
Whatever you can send, $5.00 to $500.00, $25.00 to $5,000.00, every gift is accepted with gratitude sent from the hearts of our clients. Thank you for giving to the “My Brother’s Keeper” Scholarship fund this Christmas.
Joy and Love from your DAP family,
