MetroLutheran

Unfortunately, the story plays out over and over. A mother, addicted to chemical substances, loses temporary custody of her children. She is mandated into a recovery program, but does not have access to her offspring.
But, since 2006, if she finds her way into Metro Hope Ministries’ Healing House, she may be reunited with her children in a supervised setting while she copes with her addictions. Healing House is a long-term, Christ-centered residential program that provides intentional child-development programming while allowing the children to live with their mother.
“We share the gospel with addicts,” explained Roger Arnold, executive director of Metro Hope Ministries, the parent organization for Healing House. “The good news of God’s love can break the cycle of family destruction.”
Healing House offers a place to stay. But residents also get medical care, therapy, life skills training, Christian counseling, and “immersion in Scripture,” said Arnold.
The average woman participating in the program is 32 years old, has tried six other recovery programs, and is dealing with issues of co-dependency. About 95 percent have been homeless, and 80 percent are victims of domestic violence.
“The number one reason women don’t seek help with their demons is the fear of losing custody of their kids,” Arnold told Metro Lutheran. Healing House provides a unique opportunity for these women to have 12 to 18 months of lifeskills coaching while united with their children.
“The women’s lives are structured here, as they help with chores and learn the types of skills they need to find jobs they’ll need when they leave here,” Arnold continued. They help cook, prepare kids for school, and write résumés, all activities they may never have been modeled, he stressed.

A history of Lutheran support

Metro Hope Ministries was founded in 1926 by a Lutheran pastor under the name Gateway Gospel Mission. Luther Leagues around the area supported this outreach effort for vulnerable men. “We have always had broad support from Lutherans from many different Lutheran [church bodies],” said Arnold.
The Lutheran commitment continues: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has recently designated Metro Hope Ministries as a charity qualifying for Thrivent Choice Dollars, offering Thrivent members a way to direct funds to support this ministry.

Tags: Bob Hulteen, Christian counseling, domestic violence, Gateway Gospel Mission, Healing House, homeless women, Luther League, Metro Hope Ministries, Roger Arnold, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans