Dear Family Member:
For over 30 years, here at DAP, we have reached out to those around us who Jesus said were our neighbors. And in return, we have witnessed as people, who by their very presence in our lives each day, have gone above and beyond to support Drug Alternative Program. These individuals often don’t know anything about our clients, and yet they are willing to see that those we serve get an opportunity to turn their lives around.
As you may have seen in our work therapy program, only half a clients’ recovery expenses are taken care of by an individual’s work. This is why our crew seeks out many kinds of jobs such as yard work and pressure washing driveways for several of the neighbors that live in close proximity to us.
This is why I want to share the stories of three individuals who live in our neighborhood:
Mrs. Reavis asked Cliff to upgrade the front and back yards to give them a face lift. The work included removing and replanting bushes, trimming trees and planting flowers. We sent her a thank you card and cookies to show our appreciation for the generous gift she gave to the program. She sent us the following note of appreciation:
Dear Cliff and Freddie, what a lovely surprise yesterday when I opened a mysterious package that was in my mailbox! Your response to my gift was totally unexpected and much appreciated. I really believe that from the beginning of plans for re-landscaping my yard, the money was no longer mine. I believe God was leading me to donate to your wonderful cause. I admire the work you are doing with those young men. One of my nephews in Nevada had a great, promising future as a boxer. He had even had bouts with Mike Tyson. However, someway, he got mixed up with drugs and ruined his life. It is so sad when that happens. Thanks again for your work, the work you did for me, and for the gift! Your friend and neighbor, Mary Reavis
Our neighbor across the street, Bob Sharp, was pressure washing his driveway with a small unit. Cliff offered to finish the job for him with the larger unit we had just purchased. Our client, Kalei Luii, cleaned it thoroughly in a shorter period of time. That same evening Bob brought a scrumptious homemade carrot cake baked by his wife, Glenda, to show his appreciation for a job well done. We served it with ice cream as a treat for the men. The next day before eating lunch together, we all went to their house to personally thank them for the carrot cake. The Sharps are not only good neighbors but supporters of DAP. They bought household items for the new Recovery Home that we opened in May. They also donated to the present home improvement project. We are so thankful!
That same day we visited our next-door neighbor, Betty McKay, who lost her husband in February. We wanted to cheer her up and introduce her to the men she prays for and supports. She constantly encourages us in our work and appreciates the DAP Facebook posts keeping her up to date. She donated funds to buy furniture for the Recovery Home. Betty sees the results of the work we do and sends a monthly donation to support the program. She said, “Because you let God’s Love live through you two, I pray these men will have the same desire and continue to witness to others the Love of Jesus.”
Space does not permit us to tell you about the Bradford’s, Ms. Gaines, the Listenbee’s, Mrs. Reid, the Cottingham’s, the Crown’s and other neighbors who have supported DAP.
This month we are asking you to please dig as deep as possible when you give your gift. Whether your gift is large or small, everything you share with DAP is a gift that we treasure. Your gifts have made it possible for us to heed Jesus words that we honor each person that comes to DAP as a child of God.
With wide open arms we are able to take in each person and say, “You belong here. You are our neighbor.”
Thank you for all you are doing to see that all God’s children find a welcoming home close to God’s heart.
Your family,
