January 18, 2024

Haralson County Businesses and Residents,

Subject: Uniting for a Healthier Tomorrow – Support Needed for “ Redeeming Lives Initiative”

Dear Friends,

Today, I am reaching out with a matter of great importance that touches the heart of the entire community. Almost every family and/or business in our community has been faced with challenges surrounding substance abuse. As a pastor who has witnessed the impact of substance abuse in our community, I believe now is the time to initiate a plan that will contribute to the elimination of the recurring cycles caused by substance abuse.

**The Challenge We Face**

As we navigate the complexities of our daily lives, it is impossible to ignore the impact that drug addiction has on individuals, families, and our entire community, nor can we ignore the fact that resources for those incarcerated for substance abuse are minimal at best.

Families are seeing their loved ones released from jail with no hope or opportunities to recover from the repetitive cycles of substance abuse. Without our involvement and the addition of more resources, families will continue to see the same behavioral patterns that only lead to more and more incarcerations. Now is the time for us to join together and address this issue head-on.

**The Vision for Change**

”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.“ ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭

Having seen firsthand the impact of faith-based counseling and personal involvement on an individual basis, we are initiating an effort to establish a comprehensive, recovery program, in the Haralson County jail system. This program will be complemented by the presence of experienced substance abuse, addiction, anger management, and grief counselors who are dedicated to helping inmates and their families through faith-based recovery and counseling.

**The Opportunity**

“because a great door for effective work has opened for me,” 1 Cor. 16:9

Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams opened the door for us to minister to inmates in July of 2022. Witnessing the impact of this grassroots effort, a vision of what could be accomplished was formed and the Redeeming Lives Initiative was birthed.

Envision a future where individuals previously held captive find redemption and restoration within our community. This will be an incredible opportunity where those incarcerated can embark on a journey to recovery with a team willing to meet them where they are, help lead them out of these destructive cycles, see family restoration, and be reintroduced to our community as an asset. By working together we can seize this opportunity.

**Our Mission**

We will establish a recovery and restoration program that utilizes a biblical approach– from teaching to counseling, with family assistance, and providing support during and after incarceration we will be committed to leading these individuals on this transformative journey. Through the completion of this program, each person will be able to live a Christ-centered life, free from the guilt and shame associated with their past, focusing on the hope, and plan God has for their new life. Jeremiah 29:11.

**Your Role in Building a Healthier Community**

To turn this vision into reality, we need your support. Our initial financial goal for this program is $100,000.00. We invite you to be an integral part of this transformative journey. Your support, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or spreading awareness, will be instrumental in building a community where individuals are empowered to overcome the challenges of substance abuse.

**Ways to Contribute:**

1. **Financial Support:** Your donation will directly fund the establishment of the Redeeming Lives Initiative, its resources, and the hiring of experienced faith-based counselors.

2. **Volunteer Opportunities:** Consider contributing your time and skills to support various aspects of the program, from organizing events to providing mentorship.

3. ** Employment Opportunities.**. Consider hiring a participant/graduate of the program.

4. **Spread the Word:** Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues. Awareness is key to building a supportive community.

**Join Us in Making a Difference**

Let's come together as a community to make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors and friends. By supporting this initiative, we are not just addressing addiction – we are fostering hope, resilience, and a healthier future for Haralson County.

For more information or to contribute, please visit refugewga.com or contact us at 770.574.2211.

Thank you for your consideration and commitment to building a healthier community.

Sincerely,

Jon Ellis

Lead Pastor

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story” Psalm 107:2