Twenty-five years ago, I showed up at St. Matthew's House just out of prison with a hard case of the cocaine blues. I had nowhere to turn and I just wanted to die. I had never been homeless, never been in jail; knew no one in Naples. It was as far away from civilization as I could get. I didn't even know how to ask for help. The Salvation Army told me about St. Matt's. I wandered over to the "old house" (fire station) where this guy named Bill Wilson (truth) came out and introduced himself. Told me that I needed an ID. I walked in some ill-fitting hard soled shoes from the fire house all the way to the North Trail, old Social Security office, then to the Highway Patrol Station, on Davis at the time, to get a photo ID. By the time I got back to St. Matt's, my shoes were filled with blood from the broken blisters on my feet. John Coolidge met me at the back door and interviewed me. He told me this is where I needed to be and it was. Three months later, I had a job with the county, an apartment and some distance between myself and the cocaine. I have never used again thanks to St. Matthew's House.
This week, I celebrate six years clean from cocaine. If it wasn't for St Matthew's house, I don't know where I'd be today. I was pregnant, scared and alone. I began to work to better myself. The structure, meetings and resources given to me helped me to rebuild my life. I am forever grateful for the work you do! God bless you!
My family has been forever changed by the commitment of Justin's place to change the lives of those that others have considered hopeless. I have been a front line witness to Gods grace and boundless mercy embodied in the St Matthews Programs.
I cannot thank each of the doners or volunteers personally, but please know your efforts have saved our family. We are so blessed, all hope had been lost, but then total strangers made us family and restored us. Thank you
I came to St.Matthews House out of necessity, ashamed and hopeless. I desperately wanted to piece my life back together, but had no idea where to start. The Justin's Place Women's Program, not only gave me a safe and secure setting, but began to teach me a new way of life. They have helped me reconnect with my family, regain self worth, and find purpose. St.Matthew's House exemplafies the love of Christ through practical application of meeting basic needs. It has saved my life and provided me with the opportunity for a future.
I came to St. Matthew's House broken and in desperate need of help. They took me in, fed me, and taught me how to live again. I will forever be grateful for the second, third, and fourth chance they gave me. When they never gave up on me despite my shortcomings I knew there was something special about this place. My life has been on track for the last two years and I am truly free to experience joy today. Thank you St. Matthew's House donors, volunteers and staff.
I have seen many lives changed by the mission of St. Matthews House and Justin's Place. What a blessing for those it connects with and changes as well as those that are on the edge of helping and watching God's grace at work.
As a former client, resident, and God seeker of Justin's Place a faith based rehab at St Matt's I have much gratitude for them. St. Matt's on a daily basis touches many, and definitely touched me. My life has changed for the better, and I could not have done it with out the non-judging support of St. Matthew's House and Justin's Place. Thank you, Don S.
fawn2 02/21/2013
Thanks Nicole. None of what we do could happen without dedicated volunteers like you. We stand with you in appreciation for the opportunity to witness God's grace.