Real Story - Tom
Tom has been at Cherry Street for under a year. Much of his stay at Cherry Street has been while under “stay-at-home” orders from the governor due to COVID-19. Tom says if he could go back in time, he would tell himself to slow down so he could hurry up now. In the slowing down that COVID has created Tom thinks it has worked to his advantage. “Patience really is a virtue. I slowed down and all the steps that I needed to take to find a place of my own have been falling in place,” said Tom. He moved out two weeks after he received the keys to his apartment. That time and patience also allowed him to use vouchers he earned while a guest at Cherry Street towards items he needed at Goodwill. He arranged transporting for the furniture and household items to his new apartment. Cherry Street made him up a box of food and hygiene items to see him through. Tom’s next goal is to get a vehicle. “If I wore a pedometer that would be a scary number,” he jokes. Tom says he is a comedian but only part-time. He is friends with everyone and goes out of his way to make people laugh.
Donations to Cherry Street have allowed someone like Tom to find an independent life. Out of the chaos he was able to find safety and dignity at Cherry Street. During a pandemic Tom remained safe and not only got the basics of food clothing and shelter, but also got back on his feet. His independent life and the keys to his home are only possible because he arrived at Cherry Street Hungry For Change. You addressed that need through your continued support of Cherry Street. It is through those efforts that together we are Feeding Futures.
David’s Recovery From COVID-19
Every COVID-19 survivor has a unique story to tell, and some of them are really scary. Cherry Street Mission guest David’s experience was scary, and he shares it with you in the hope that his story will motivate you to be smart and, therefore, safer.
David’s story started in May, when he woke up feeling “a little tired.” Fatigue and temperature increased throughout the day until going from his bed to the bathroom was a struggle; his breathing was becoming labored, and his temperature was spiking. Alert CSMM personnel called 911, and David was transported to the hospital.
COVID evaluation at the hospital was a new experience—David talked to a doctor via a computer tablet beside his hospital bed. By the time, a nurse (fashionably clad in a hazmat suit) finished his evaluation, his temperature was 104°, his blood pressure was alarmingly elevated, and his oxygen level had dropped to 83%. The priority was to stabilize him—oxygen for his breathing difficulties and oral and intravenous meds to bring down his temperature. Lightheaded and “hurting from head to toe,” David nevertheless underwent a chest x-ray and nasal test that hit him, literally, right between the eyes.
It took six hours to stabilize him, after which he was admitted. From that moment on, COVID protocol was David’s life, for the next six long, scary days. During that time David learned a lot about COVID. Did you know that COVID has mutated 12 times since being identified? That you can be infected by more than one strain? David was infected by two strains. Conversations with the infectious disease doctor about ventilators, double pneumonia, and surrogate decision-makers was bad enough, but when David was told that people with “his” COVID strains had only a 50/50 chance of ever coming off a ventilator, he thought he was not going to leave that hospital.
But God and modern medicine are good. Doctors administered four experimental treatments (remember, all COVID treatments are experimental), including a plasma infusion containing antibodies from recovered COVID patients. On Day seven, David was discharged to a local hotel designated for COVID-19 patients’ quarantine and recovery, where he spent the next 14 days.
Five weeks after first becoming ill, David’s breathing was normal; he still got tired easily when he exerted himself; his eyes were sensitive to bright lights (including TV, cellphone and computer screens); and he could not grip anything tightly. However, these after-effects are getting better day by day, and David is hopeful that full recovery isn’t far off. So are we.
What can we learn from this story? As David writes, “Please take this pandemic seriously. Protect yourself, practice social distancing and wearing facemasks when needed.” He should know. David, thanks for sharing your story.
Joe Has Moved Out
He’s outa here! And that is the best thing that has happened to Joe since he came to live at Cherry Street Mission two years ago. On November 1, Joe will move into his new apartment. But he will have lots to remember us by as he settles in. Besides the items in the gift box that he will take with him, Joe will redeem his Cherry Street points for additional things he needs in his new home. One important addition will be a clock radio so he can listen to the music that he loves.
Joe is very tuned in to the limitations of institutional living—he is most excited to use his own bathroom and take a shower without having to stand in line. Most of us take this for granted, but for Joe it is a mark of independence. Chili will be on his menu as he exercises his love of cooking in his own kitchen.
Through all he has experiences these past several years, Joe has preserved optimism and a sense of humor. He even believes that Covid has had some positive impact on Cherry Street Mission–the residents are eating better, and the houses are quieter.
Joe, we could not be happier for you. Thanks for telling us your story and for telling us that Cherry Street Mission has done everything for you. Seeing you succeed is everything for us.
Calvin
Even a short conversation with Calvin reveals his quick analytical mind and his determination not to let past or current difficulties stop him from accomplishing his goals. Calvin has made a lot of progress since becoming a guest at Cherry Street Mission Ministries. He has a car and a job and a sense of purpose and direction. As he puts it, “I’m not here to get a handout. I want a sense of accomplishment.” His sights are set on a couple of job promotions and post-high school education in a field that will challenge him and will lead to more satisfying employment.
Calvin has been a student of the scriptures since he was a child. Even in third grade catechism class he had an acute need to know, to understand exactly what the Bible said and how church traditions operated. Not satisfied with the teacher’s “That’s the way it is,” over the years, Calvin has studied Latin and Greek to get to the original meaning and intent of Biblical writers. He observes that, ”Latin helped me understand the mindset of the ancients, especially the Romans, how they thought.” “You ought to try to understand it (the Bible) in the context of what was said; it gives insight, fills in the gaps between what you may see in the Bible and what was being said.”
Calvin’s passion for accuracy and truth does not stop at his search to get to the heart of scripture. It motivates everything he does. He plans to take more training classes here at Cherry Street and college level classes to challenge his quick mind and open the way for a secure future where untapped insight and knowledge awaits him.
Calvin is grateful for the support he has received here. “If it weren’t for you, I never would have gotten the job I did.” He is saving for an apartment. Although we will miss him, we will celebrate yet another step into a bright future. Thank you for the gifts you have given to Cherry Street Mission Ministries that make it possible for men like Calvin to build a new life.
Willie
Willie’s advice to others and his younger self is profound for those who are in their own despair or in their own aloneness. He understands that you can still feel alone even if you are surrounded by lots of other people. He says. “Find things to do that make you feel better. Know how to do things and take care of yourself. If you can find something to do you can help others that need help. No way is blocked. I come too far from where I started, nobody told me that the road would be easy but I come too far just to turn around.” Willie likes to quote the old spirituals. He went on to say, “It explains that this earthly world is not our home. It is only temporary. Our forever has yet to come.”
People who encounter Willie discover that he loves to sing. He does it loud and proud. It is obvious to all that the Spirit is in him as he is raising his voice up in praise. “I feel the Spirit upon me. That’s why I sing with the tune and everything.”
He always has a smile and a chuckle to share. “I’ll tell you why I’m [at Cherry Street]. I’m here because during the day it gives me purpose. I get up in the morning and I come to stay and be safe. I don’t have to be bothered by bad people. I’m telling you. It’s not lonely. We can look around and watch the people. There’s always something to do,” says Willie.
Willie has been walking this path for a while. Willie wishes he could go back in time and tell himself to take better care of himself. He wishes he could be more positive back then.
“God has been with me. God has been walking with me. Teaching me. Showing me which way to go. And to think positive and to get a good understanding and to learn how to take heed. Man will let you down. And a man will fail. But God will put a human in front of you to lift you up too,” proclaimed Willie.
While Willie is staying at Cherry Street he has a safe place to stay as he moves toward an independent life. Your support to Cherry Street allows for the needs of a man like Willie to be met. You can make a difference in the life like Willie’s; being a human who can lift another up, by making your donation today.
Josh
How do you define Success? Here at Cherry Street Mission we define it as a person-a guest we will call Jeff. Jeff has a huge, giving heart. He learned the art of giving early in life from his loving mother. After she suffered a devastating stroke, he lovingly cared for her. Thanks to his mother, Jeff was raised as a Christian, was baptized, confirmed, and born again. He knows that he has pushed away many good, positive influences in his life; he recognizes that he has made poor choices in his past. But more importantly, Jeff knows that those bad decisions do not dictate who he is. He believes that “Everyone has one God-given ability, and that ability is to change for the better and to be better than the day before.” That is what he has been doing while a guest at Cherry Street Mission-changing for the better. Jeff has a short and long term goal that he will achieve—to see his beloved mother, and his much loved girlfriend who died suddenly, in Heaven. He knows that he has not led a perfect life, but, as he says, “I do what I need to do to ensure that I will meet them in Heaven.” Changing, goal-setting, working toward those goals—that gives Jeff and the staff at Cherry Street Mission a lot to cheer about. And we are.
Anthony
Anthony has moved out since this interview. Back then he said, “I’ve been walking this path since September of last year. I just wanted a new start and that’s how I came to Toledo. I wanted to start from ground zero and go up. I tried to keep the peace within myself. With everything that’s going on it’s good to have friends here. My mother used to tell me tie a knot at the end of the rope and just hang on. We’ll get through this.”
If Anthony had the chance to go back in time to give himself advice he wishes he would have “stayed put”. When he says ‘stay put’ he means he might have persevered through some problems rather than looking for ways to exit the problem.
“I battle with myself. I feel like I am a seed in the dirt. It’s not too comfortable in the dirt. It can be pretty dark. But after a while I can sprout on up,” said Anthony.
During the interview Anthony was asked how Cherry Street has been in watering that seed and he responded, “it’s making me so much more appreciative and grateful for what he has for me. I’ve been through some rough periods. Hopefully I’ll be able to go on from here”.
He went on to say, “Everyday I wake up and I have my prayer as I watch the sunrise. I have my own church and I look forward to that moment in the day.”
Thank you for helping to make a change in the life of Anthony. If you would like to help someone like Anthony, who is hungry for change, you can do so by donating today.
Grover
Grover has been a guest at Cherry Street Mission during the Covid-19 lockdown. He had made the most of his time here by blessing other guests with his unfailing patience and encouragement. Grover’s training from his grandfather and his experience as an outdoorsman and a survivalist have taught him gratitude and the ability to learn from his mistakes. One could overhear him telling another guest, “Don’t just get up and dust yourself off—if it don’t work that way, think of a way it will work. Don’t repeat your mistakes; then you know you’re moving forward.”
Covid-19 put a huge roadblock in front of Grover’s plans for a place of his own, but he has even made the lockdown a blessing. When other guests get discouraged or frustrated, he challenges them to think about where they are better off—outside not knowing where they’re going to get their next meal and where they are going to lay their head at night—or here at Cherry Street where staff stand ready to help with those needs and others. As he says, “We’re family while we’re here; we got to make it through.” Grover knows that he’s not going to win everybody, but “one or two, it’s worthwhile.” Grover has moved out and now has a home of his own. Cherry Street staff are grateful for Grover while he was a guest. He reminded everyone that yes, we are family, and family look out for each other. Thanks, Grover.
People like Grover recognize others who are Hungry For Direction and Hungry For Safety. When you support Cherry Street Mission Ministries you are not only feeding someone for the day through the provision of a meal. You are Feeding Futures for those who seek stability and safety during the pandemic and the uncertain times yet ahead.
Thank you for helping to make a change in the life of Grover. If you would like to help someone like Grover, who is hungry for change, you can do so by donating today.
God Might Be Calling Jane
What is a calling? “Jane” says it is a gift from God. This Spirit-filled Christian woman’s calling is to help people. How does Jane know she has this calling? It is a product of her relationship with Christ. God guided her into it, and she is obedient to his leading.
Jane is grateful for her time here at Cherry Street Mission Ministries and feels that she has grown in her calling, helping and reaching out to others, through her interaction with staff and other guests. In her words, “I’ve met a lot of good people here. I’ve made a lot of friends.” Whether Jane is reading her Bible, going to classes, attending Bible studies, listening to gospel music in the library (her favorite artist is Jonathan MacReynolds), or helping other guests with tasks like laundry and stair navigation, her inner glow shines out.
Jane knows that God has let her to Cherry Street. She says, Right now, this is where I am supposed to be. I don’t know what’s next, but God will guide me in the way He wants me to go.”
A jewel like Jane is rare and precious; she is a living reminder that her calling is also Cherry Street’s calling-to reach out to others in faith and obedience. Thank you, Jane.
Thank you for helping to make a change in the life of Jane. If you would like to help someone like Jane, who is hungry for change, you can do so by donating today.
Chris' Story
Chris' Story
Chris grew up in New York. After his parents divorced, he stayed with his mom and step dad, where he experienced abuse from his step dad, who was an addict. “By age 15, I was alone on the streets,” Chris said. He developed horrible anxiety and social phobias – he was fearful of people. “I moved to Ohio where my dad and step mom were living, but they didn’t want me either.”
Back on the streets by age 18, Chris says that even the stress and loneliness of living on the streets was better than being unwanted. Meeting his daily needs became his focus. “I worked at carry out stores and restaurants, but didn’t keep any job for long,” he admits. The drinking that began in high school became a serious addiction.
“My hurts, fears and anxieties were taking over. Drinking was a way of avoiding all that.” Chris says.
Alcohol addiction led to crime, and Chris was forced to get help. He remembers, “They wanted me to go to AA meetings. I would drive there, have a panic attack, and drive away without going in!”
In his mid-twenties, Chris was locked in the jail psyche ward, where they told him they would keep him because he had no place to go, and was dangerous. “I said I would go to Cherry Street, but that was a lie. I went back to the streets,” he explains. “For me, Cherry Street was a scary place. I was afraid of everything.”
After probation, Chris met a woman who had many of the same problems he had, “I thought it would be a good thing,” he shares, “That we would understand each other. I was wrong. She was like my step dad. Violent, alcoholic, and abusive.”
Six months before coming to Cherry Street in July, completely out of hope, he tried for the third time, to end his life. “I didn’t want to live like that anymore. But God made sure I was found. He led me to Cherry Street, and I know that was His way of saving me,” says Chris.
At forty years of age, and after decades of searching for hope and acceptance, Chris has finally found the answer at Cherry Street.
Chris entered the Ready for Life program. Through classes, Bible studies, and counseling, he started to trust God with his problems. “I understand that I have to change the way I think and believe, before I can change my behavior.” With knowledge, support, and complete surrender to God, he’s being transformed from the inside-out.
“I’ve been tested with my weaknesses, but I’m doing well!” Chris says the Cherry Street advocates and instructors have been an important part of his success. “They are godly people who truly care. They’re in my corner. Willing to sit down with me, reminding me that I’m worthy. I matter.”
Chris says he’s excited to be able to take his son to church with him. “I went to see my son recently, and handled the interaction with his mom well. I need to be the straight to her crooked, like Cherry Street teaches. I’m praying for her.”
While he’s come a long way, Chris recognizes he is a work in progress. He continues to get help with his social phobia and is working on other interpersonal skills. “I’m developing strengths I never knew I had, so I can accomplish great things,” he explains.
Chris has a message for our donors. “Cherry Street is worth investing in. From the staff, to the volunteers, to the programs, this is where people without hope can find God, safety, and hope. Cherry Street has saved my life. I found salvation, hope, and a new life. I never thought I’d find all that here. I’m a new person!” he asserts.
