Every Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas the Charlotte Rescue Mission prepares breakfast and lunch for the the area homeless.

This Thanksgiving we were blessed by the Dilworth Neighborhood Grille and countless number of volunteers who dished out a bountiful breakfast, including bacon, pancakes and made-to-order eggs.

During the morning, the homeless were treated to a free pair of shoes and ministry provided by Samaritan’s Feet and sponsored by Carolina Panthers Charities.

Additionally, they were given donated access to cell phones to connect with family and friends and were invited to stay and fellowship over movies and Thanksgiving Day football.

The day ended with a five-star Thanksgiving meal with special maitre d’ Derek James from Fox Charlotte Rising and special guest star – the Carolina Panther’s Sir Purr.

Many former and current clients have commented how powerful these holiday meals are to their recovery.  As they see our homeless community guests come in for a meal, our clients are reminded of where they were just 30 or 60 days ago and how far they have come in changing their lives.

Here are highlights from the great day:

Dear Volunteers,

Thank you so much for the material and monetary donations. But, the donations that meant the most to me were the donations of time, prayer, and encouragement that you gave us. Your time showed me that the community as a whole does care about the suffering addicts and alcoholics. Everyone that came through had kind words and was always ready to lead us in prayer.

The volunteers that came on nights that we have chapel hold a special place in my heart. They helped me find a relationship with God, a relationship that I had given up on a long time ago. Thank you for not trying to force feed me your beliefs; you simply told us what God has done for you and let us come to our own conclusions. I have never really been an atheist, but I was estranged from religion for years. Since I have been at Rebound I have become an active member in a church of my own and can feel God working in my life. I always looked for a big miracle, a “burning bush” sort of thing, now I can see and appreciate the small miracles in everyday life.

Sincerely,
Anonymous

To all those to make donations

Without you where would still be chaos in my life and the lives of many others. Your donations make available food, shelter, and clothing which in turn provides a place and means of opportunity and comfort here at CRM

I came here with a suitcase I have been meaning to burn many years before. It was not because of any others reason that I did not burn it, but for remembrance and time. That suit case had once again become storage to all that belonged to me. I walked into the CRM broken and despaired carrying that old suitcase. Once, I completed the admissions process another client picked up my bags and said, “I doubt you’ll need this anymore.” Can you imagine the joy I felt to hear those six little words? Instantly, I felt relief. Finally, I could start over.

After unpacking, I was led to the cafeteria to eat my first meal. It was delicious and there was more than enough to go around for all that stood in line which at the time numbered about a hundred and thirty. With a full stomach, some fears of the unknown began and I was led downstairs. I met with other new preprogram men and that’s when I found out that all this was made available through contributions of Charlotte residents. Hearing that formed tears in my eyes. What a gracious city this is!

I have visited many other treatment centers due to my addictions, but none have been free, nor did they offer the extensive curriculum that CRM has offered me. Just knowing that you all support me and the many others, intensifies my desires to remain free from bondage and from the bottom of my heart I just want to say thank you for believing in me.

I still have that suitcase as a reminder.

Anonymously,

Grateful

I would like to take a little of my time to thank the staff, volunteers, and donors since they gave so much of their time for me. The Rebound Program is a heaven sent organization for without it myself and thousands of others would have no hope for tomorrow. The churches that have come turned my life around, from the very first chapel service to the last. Everyone who came to speak, has had a very powerful message that touched my heart. I would like to thank the donors that have brought food, clothes, and toiletries so that we have clothes on our backs and a way of keeping clean. And last but not least I would like to thank the staff, from the ones in the offices that keep the business part going and organizing the schedule for all the volunteers we have, to the counselors for giving us the classes and time to help us get a better understanding of the disease we all suffer from. And a special thanks to my counselor for taking extra time with me so that I can stand of my own two feet and enter the world with a clear head. I hope and pray that the Rebound Program continues on for many years to come. Good luck to you all and God Bless.

Posh With Purpose 2011 V2 from Hudson 5 on Vimeo.

Thank you again to Bella Tunno for planning and executing this incredible fund-raiser.

I remember being in jail just a few months ago, I had no hope. I had wasted my life. Everything seemed hopeless as I thought about my past; there was nothing but pain. I not only caused myself pain but also the people around me who loved me most. They had to turn away from me because they could do nothing but pray for me. All I could think about what going to prison or dying on the streets. I was in a dark place, I had given up, all I could see was death, and I knew it was coming soon! I prayed that Psalm #40 could happen in my life, I was in a pit and I could not get out. Today just a little over 3 months later I have a different outlook on life. My life is no longer filled with darkness, today I have hope. Thank God for Rebound. From the last man hired to the executive director and to all those in between, to the board members, and volunteers thank you for being obedient to God. Your willingness to see the vision that God gave and to become laborers in the vineyard had changed my life and many others. Today because of your commitment I can truly say God has had Psalm #40 come alive in my life. Thank you God and thank you Rebound for a new life in Jesus Christ.

Before coming to Rebound I felt as if my life was over, that I had gone too far and made too many mistakes to recover and be productive member of society. After checking in and listening to what was being said I realized there was hope. I became willing to take suggestions and to give the program a chance. Little did I know at the time that I was making the biggest decision of my life, one that literally saved my life.

Thanks to Rebound I now have a new lease on life, a life of hope. The program has taught me that if I turn my life over to the care of God and include him in all I do, all will be well. Thanks to Rebound I can face life on life’s terms. No matter what today will bring I am prepared to face it without the use of drugs. I thank Rebound for giving me the tools that I need to go out in the world and fight the demons that once held me down in a life of addiction

It has been a humbling experience for me. Today I have a working relationship with God, one that grows stronger each day. Today I give thanks to God, to the Rebound program and its staff and the numerous amount of volunteers and donors. You literally saved my life.

News 14 has a story and video.

WSOC has a story and video.