Dear Family Member:
“My Brother’s Keeper” Scholarship Fund was introduced to you two years ago. This fund provides the money necessary to assist our
clients who enter the program with no money. As you know, we never turn anyone away because they don’t have money to pay for their expenses. And this is the reason why the scholarship fund is such a huge blessing to our clients. This month there are two special clients, both graduates of the program, that we want to introduce you to. One completed the program 18 years ago, and the other finished 13 years ago. Both men received financial support which helped them defray their expenses at DAP. As you read these testimonies, we’re certain you’ll be thrilled because your investment in both men’s lives is truly one that will pay eternal dividends.
I’m a proud graduate of the class of 1999. During my years of recovery, DAP equipped and endowed me with many tools to remain honest and true to my recovery. They taught me the importance of being spiritually connected, modeled social skills, set examples of good nutritional diet, and instilled in me a good work ethic; all while providing the basic skills for employment. DAP is an amazingly well-rounded recovery program.
Since my departure, I must say I have been met with difficult challenges. But I have come to learn that one’s Christian walk is not measured in leaps or bounds, neither in the horrific or heroic events we overcome, instead God rewards those who endure to the end. Prior to leaving DAP, I recall a good friend of the program handing me a paper poster of two animals. One was fighting for its life while the other was trying to take its life, and at the bottom, it read “Never Give Up.” I still stand firm on those very words.
I am an active member of Calvary Seventh-day Adventist Church here in Virginia. In addition to being a deacon, I participate in Sabbath School, men’s ministry, street ministry, and small group Bible study. God has blessed me with a beautiful two-bedroom condominium and allowed me to use the tools I learned at DAP to do some remodeling of my home.
Mr. & Mrs. Harris, I want to say how much I appreciate DAP. Nineteen years ago, in desperation, I left my apartment and all my possessions to take the help you offered me. I had NO money, yet you accepted me into the program. Words can never express the Christ-like love, compassion, deeds, and sacrifices you
have emulated for so many over the years and I pray for this continues for decades to come. May God bless you both. Love always!
Your Son in Christ,
Keith C. Williamson
I was desperate for help after losing my family, friends, and most of all, my self-worth. Methamphetamine and alcohol were the only thing that got me through the day. I wanted my life back and I made that call to DAP with the help of my Heavenly Father. Mr. Harris accepted me into the program.
Although the program was 12-18 months, I had planned to stay three months and leave. The Holy Spirit strongly impressed me to stay or I would fall again. I’m so glad I listened to Him; if I had not, I believe I would be dead today.
DAP taught me how to forgive; forgiveness was very hard for me because I was so angry and bitter. Today if I become angry, I stop and ask GOD to help me. Immediately I work through whatever is bothering me with the help of my Lord and Savior. God’s way is much easier than my way.
Dap taught me how to love again and I’m blessed with a wonderful wife, beautiful home, great job and good health. I have been sobered from drugs and tobacco since July 11, 2003. I am so thankful for DAP, my fellow clients, and Campus Hill and Kansas Ave Churches, for helping me through the program. I’m not quite the man I would like to be, but I thank GOD, every day that I am not the man I was when I entered DAP.
I love you Mr. and Mrs. Harris,
Marti Gary
As his ‘brothers’ keeper,’ Marti has given large donations to assist his brothers who come to DAP with no money.
These are two of our stories. But in the past 30 years so many more of our clients – our graduates – have found the path to survival and salvation. And these are individuals who have been saved by you. Yes, your gifts have made the difference and will continue to change lives every day. Thank you so much for standing with us this month.
We love you,
