Mark's Return to Civilian Life
Mark’s Return to Civilian Life
It is an unfortunate circumstance that many veterans who have served our country fall on hard times when they return to civilian life. The effects of PTSD impact these individuals and often create struggles they never imagined they would experience.
Mark came to Cherry Street Mission Ministries fighting some of those battles. After completing his service with the U.S. Army, he returned to the life he had coveted before. He used his army skills to readjust and began a life outside of the military. When his VA pension checks were repeatedly lost in the Covid-delayed mail, he experienced homelessness for the first time in his life. Mark found his way to Cherry Street and began living by his motto “Get a job, go to school, do something to get back on your own.” Being a permanent resident at Cherry Street was never Mark’s plan. He worked towards his goal of becoming independent, employed and eventually went on to live on his own again.
Cherry Street advocates have been with Mark on his journey, walking beside him and helping him reach his goals. They have helped him work with the VA to coordinate his benefits, receive vocational training to become a mechanic and prayed with him at his AA group meetings. Cherry Street advocates are here to help with every step of the way.
Volunteerism Highlight
Volunteerism Highlight
The Appold Learning Center, typically referred to as the Cherry Street Library, is located on the second floor of the LRC and is a beautifully classic picture of what a library should be with its richly colored wooden shelves and peaceful environment. The library is linked to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, which means not only are the shelves stocked with an excellent variety of books, but the computers can access incredible information, databases and resources, just as if you were logging in at your local library.
Open mornings and afternoons every weekday, guests are able to step away from the bustling environment of the cafe and spend some time browsing shelves, scrolling through personal and professional pursuits on the computer, or taking a moment to breathe. A volunteer or two-like Sister Nancy-sits at the desk and assists guests with computer questions, creates library guest passes, tidies up as necessary, and might even enjoy their own book. The library re mains quietly productive while providing physical and emotional rest to guests, making it a beloved spot in the building.
If you’d like to volunteer in the library, you can send a message to volunteer@cherrystreetmission.org to find a time that works for you.
James Arrived Hungry for Direction
James arrived at Cherry Street Hungry for a Change. Hungry for Direction. James didn’t know what his future would hold. He didn’t know if he could reconcile his wife, was battling substance use issues and wanted to restore his faith in God. It also happened to be in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the help of advocates at Cherry Street, James was able to get mental health services from a partner within our building, navigate through the VA system, obtain his birth certificate, social security, ID and driver’s license, attend AA meetings and other group meetings…and most of all, restore his faith in God. James moved out 1 year after he first came through the doors of Cherry Street… with a purpose and renewed hope.
James has experienced firsthand how God works through friends like you to provide neighbors in need with practical care and a sense of self-worth. Services that lift people out of a state of need and into a place of self-sufficiency and renewed dignity.
