United Ministries, Inc.

There are a lot of nonprofits that, somewhere along the line, lose sight of their original purpose to serve a community and instead end up serving themselves. While I've seen this with a lot of organizations which aim to help people experiencing homelessness, United Ministries is not one of them. Volunteering with Earl's Place gave me a chance to see that the staff puts clients' outcomes first. They are committed to helping the men who come through the program to overcome the obstacles in their lives that keep them from being who they want to be. And it shows. So many lives have been transformed by United Ministries, and it is absolutely heartwarming to hear how proud the staff is of each person who comes through the program. I am so proud to be able to support United Ministries in its mission!

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I love Earl's Place of United Ministries. What is so special about Earl's Place is the staff.
It's because of them that the 17 residents who are coming out of imprisonment or fighting with addiction all do so well in their two years there. There is almost no recidivism because of the personal
relationships they form with each resident. Now United Ministries is starting a new home Prospect Place in Baltimore County.

I am a member of the Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, and for a number of years, TUUC has been a supporter of Earl's Place financially and with volunteers and with gifts for the residents. Sheila Helgerson speaks at TUUC at least once a year, and she is loved by our congregation.

I am a physician and have worked in many environments for the poor and minimalized, such as Bellevue Hospital in New York. In my travels on both coasts, I have not witnessed such success as United Ministries has achieved at Earl's Place.

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United Ministries/Earl's Place easily is one of the best-run, low-overhead, socially responsible organizations that I have encountered. The men they help get off the street and into jobs and permanent housing are now contributing citizens who almost universally look back on their time at Earl's Place as a rewarding, life-changing experience. You would be hard-pressed to find a charitable cause that provides more for the Baltimore community.

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Our family donates and follows the work of Earls Place because we believe homeless men can thrive when given a strong community. This is proven by the outcomes and years of success at Earls. The staff works tirelessly to give support to the men while enabling them to become independent.

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Earl's Place gives a supportive home to men who need it, and encourages each of them to be the best person they can be, overcoming the challenges of poverty and addiction. The men are respected and expected to do their best. When they graduate they're called "Visionaries" and with good reason....they've dreamt about what they can be, and Earl's Place helps them attain it and become productive members of society.

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3 people found this review helpful

Earl's Place is a favorite of our family's because of the wonderful way that it is organized and run, because of its obvious successes, and because it was very close to my mother's heart. She believed that many of the men there face challenges similar to those that faced my uncle, her little brother. It is so good to know that our contributions are helping someone to find their way in the world again.

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I have often heard the residents testify to the change Earl's Place has made in their lives. I've worked beside residents as they've served at a local soup kitchen. I've also provided gifts at Christmas.

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23 people found this review helpful

This group is fantastic. Earl's Place transforms lives! The men often go to school, get jobs, and reconnect with their families. The staff does a super job relating to them.

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I had to think for a moment when chosing the "Your Role" category...everytime I have had an encounter with United Ministires, and Earl's Place in particular...I have found while there may have been a moment of giving on my part, I walk away having learned, discovered, been challenged and stretched at times to take in the scope of transformation happening through the hearts and minds of this organization. Much is to be credited to the leadership and love that guides this process along for it is done in such a way that welcomes and encourages a true and gentle, nurtured and strengthened different way to live. Time, financial resources, learning opportunities...you may not even realize just yet what you have to offer the sojourners you will encounter, but believe this, you will be changed by it!

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My husband and I have donated to United Ministries for several years and consider it a great investment. We appreciate the many ways that United Ministries gives us to get to know the men they serve and the work they do. We're happy to see that our money is put to good use providing support and encouragement to people who need it and use it to turn their lives around.

We are proud to count ourselves as part of the Earl's Place family.

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I have seen the impact that United Ministries makes on the men that are served by the witness of these men. They have attended our Annual Meetings and met with our members to explain how their lives have changed since being a part of United Ministries. I've seen positive results of men moving into their own homes, finding employment, buying a car, being producers instead of takers. This is a much needed and worthy orgnaizaiton.

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TO: United Ministries 12/1/10 RE: Earl’s Place To Whom It May Concern: As a former resident (a 2000 Visionary Graduate), my self-esteem, misery, and general outlook on life seemed hopeless, all due to my addiction that seemed to me at that time, out of control. However, Earl’s Place, with its supervision and community changed that discernment. I was homeless and penniless in 1998. Earl’s Place greeted me with open arms, and provided a means to empower myself towards a “NEW WAY OF LIFE”. A way of life that has continued “one day at a time.” Kudos, to Sheila’s encouragement and her belief in me. Moreover,extra kudos to all the people that support Earl’s Place. Without YOUR support, Sheila’s selfless time and effort, including United Ministries inspiration and maintainability could not continue in this fine city. Many blessings towards a LONG AND PROSPEROUS CAMPAIGN TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS AND IN NEED, Anonymous Disclaimer: So much more needs to be addressed YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT will assure this will happen.

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