Dear NAME,
At Downtown Community Ministry (DCM), we work at the tough end of things. When we are faced with those in need on a daily basis it’s great to celebrate the positive outcomes of our work.
We’d like to be able to do much more – but we can’t do this without your support. I am writing to you to share one of the many inspiring stories that result from our hard work, and to encourage you to consider making a financial gift to DCM as we approach the festive season.
“John” (not his real name) is 60 years old. He had lived without alcohol for more than 13 years with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, but after a series of events, fell back into alcohol addiction. He began a spiral into homelessness over four years ago, after working as a tradesman for 40 years.
In 2009, John was treated by the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) 53 times, and was transported there by ambulance 32 times. He has been charged with more than 50 offences, relating to his addiction and homelessness, which resulted in three short sentences in prison. He had been living in the Night Shelter for some time. John also suffers from depression and panic attacks.
This is John’s background, and where DCM stepped in to support him to make changes. John had burnt every bridge around housing options, but with our intensive support we managed to get him another chance. We helped John into a house where he has been able to maintain his tenancy for two months so far. He is really proud of this effort, and looks forward to celebrating his three-month anniversary. DCM staff visited daily to begin with to make sure he was coping and to enjoy his company. John also has regular visits from a nurse, and attends AA meetings. John’s presentation to A&E and the Police has almost entirely reduced. John is feeling happier within himself, more positive about the future and has began engaging with his family again. He is also returning to his love of music, and one of the most important things for him is that now he is living in his own home, he is able to listen to music.
This wasn’t an easy path for John. DCM provided him with high-level support, and will continue to do so for some time. There are many more people out there like John who, with our help, can achieve greater well-being and become active members of our wider community. We can’t do this alone – you’d be surprised at what we can achieve together.
Thank you for considering making a financial gift to DCM this Christmas. I wish you all the best for the festive season.
Kind Regards,
NAME
