Testimonials: What do clients say about SAFE Ministries?

"I grew up in chaos. My mom was an alcoholic. My dad (even though I never knew him) was an alcoholic. We were off and on welfare while I was growing up. Consequently my adult life has largely reflected that upbringing. I've had children out of wed lock, numerous boyfriends, and a divorce. I would use drugs now and then (Amazingly enough, I've been spared from an actual addiction to any of them). I've had an abortion, lost custody of my two daughters, and have had to stand by and watch as my daughters made poor choices, such as drug use and promiscuous living. One of them is in and out of jail consistently.

I came to SAFE seeking stability. I felt that if I could be stable, then I could offer that hope to my daughters. I definitely found what I was searching for. I've received lots of counseling during my life, but nothing has been more useful than the SAFE program.

These days, I'm letting God guide me. In the past, living with a guy was normal. Now I realize that God is against that. I am important to Jesus. He wants me to value myself as much as He does. Recently, I've made one of the toughest decisions of my life. I've had to separate from the man I've been living with for the past seven years. That was hard! I almost didn't do it.
However, I'm beginning to understand that the relationships I've had with men in the past have really been me trying to fill holes and meet needs that only God can satisfy.

All my life, I knew that God was with me no matter where I was. SAFE MINISTRIES has taught me so much more. It's given me tools to help me receive and understand the "Peace" that Jesus offers to all who will seek Him for it. Now I look forward to passing that hope on to my daughters."

Janice Stetson
SAFE GRADUATE 2/2004

"My name is Forrest H. Healey. I’m very proud to say that I am a graduate of the SAFE program in Portland, Oregon. I was twelve when I first used alcohol and that opened the flood gates for me to a life of turmoil and unbelievable, horrible experiences. I got myself on probation before I was 13. Due to my using and abusing drugs and alcohol, I remained on probation until the age of 26. Then I graduated to prison for 22 months. I got off parole when I was 30 – still using.

One day I said to myself, “I’m either gonna kill myself or end up back in prison. Please, God, Help Me!”

God led me from San Antonio, TX to Portland, OR to an awesome place called SAFE. I’ve learned many tools to live a free and righteous life. The very main one is my relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, I’m eternally free, and I love Him so much for that.

Praise the Lord for making the SAFE program.”

Sincerely,
Forrest Healey (From San Antonio, Texas - Graduate, 2/2002)

"Growing up was hard. I was never comfortable with myself. I started drinking and using drugs at a young age to try to fit in. I got married at 18 years old; the marriage only lasted 2-1/2 years. I got married again and had three children. After 12 years (some good, some bad), my wife left me with nowhere to turn; or so I thought. I turned to I.V. drugs, and that led me to a world of crime, homelessness and helplessness. I had no friends left, and I was in and out of jail.

I checked in to a 6-month treatment center. After about three months, I got in touch with my brother. He was at SAFE Ministries and had asked me if I would like to go to church with him. I started going and liked what I saw going on there. The people were happy and friendly, and I felt at home there right away.

I finished the six months at the treatment center but knew that a 12-step program would not work for me. I still had those feelings of shame, hopelessness and a life with no future. I knew that I needed Jesus in my life and a stable, safe place to build a relationship with my Lord.

I went to SAFE Ministries and enrolled in their inpatient program. For the next year, I watched as God started working in my life. My prayers were being answered, and I started to learn what His will for my life was. The shame and the guilt were going away. I can see a future now. With my life with God, I have the peace and joy that I thought was gone forever.”

Sincerely,
Duane Loumena (From Portland, Oregon - Graduate, 10/2001 )