As a former Oregonian, I’m so saddened to hear about this horrific treatment in the name of Jesus anywhere, but in what I truly consider God’s country. Thank you, Kevin, for shining a light on this.
So saddened to read Allison’s story. I really appreciate her bravery and honest account of her experiences. Unfortunately my son attended two similar programs in our community. At the time I felt that these programs would be full of compassion and understanding towards its residents. As I have taken time to educate myself on substance use disorder I’ve realized that these programs don’t actually provide treatment. No medications, medical staff oversight, residents working to benefit the staff who run or own these organizations while using religion and punishment as a way to a “help” others become “good people”. I believe Jesus met people where they were with unconditional love which is not what happens at these programs. Very sad that they don’t embrace harm reduction and the gold standards of treatment. 😢
Alison's sounds like a story of resilience in the face of the most unnecessary obstruction to her growth and well being. Having been in need of services like the Mission, I learned long ago that all to often there is a need of shelter from the shelters. I hope that the farther removed she is from the experiences she endured, her healing can continue. It is my most fervent hope/prayer that those who run programs like the GP Rescue Mission will learn how they are impacting those they are ostensibly there to serve, take it into their hearts and make at least the obvious changes that would lead to better outcomes and less need to heal from what they are imposing.
As a direct to Alison, should she read this...
You are an amazing human being deserving of so much better than what you have been through. Your strength in dealing with it all is an inspiration to me. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story. I wish I could send you a hug, but this virtual one will just have to do.
This is horrifying. A place like Grants pass shouldn’t be allowed much less be the only option to avoid homelessness
As a former Oregonian, I’m so saddened to hear about this horrific treatment in the name of Jesus anywhere, but in what I truly consider God’s country. Thank you, Kevin, for shining a light on this.
Thank you, Alison, for sharing!
So saddened to read Allison’s story. I really appreciate her bravery and honest account of her experiences. Unfortunately my son attended two similar programs in our community. At the time I felt that these programs would be full of compassion and understanding towards its residents. As I have taken time to educate myself on substance use disorder I’ve realized that these programs don’t actually provide treatment. No medications, medical staff oversight, residents working to benefit the staff who run or own these organizations while using religion and punishment as a way to a “help” others become “good people”. I believe Jesus met people where they were with unconditional love which is not what happens at these programs. Very sad that they don’t embrace harm reduction and the gold standards of treatment. 😢
Thank you! I’m sharing this with all of my amazing coworkers at WeShine in Portland.
Alison's sounds like a story of resilience in the face of the most unnecessary obstruction to her growth and well being. Having been in need of services like the Mission, I learned long ago that all to often there is a need of shelter from the shelters. I hope that the farther removed she is from the experiences she endured, her healing can continue. It is my most fervent hope/prayer that those who run programs like the GP Rescue Mission will learn how they are impacting those they are ostensibly there to serve, take it into their hearts and make at least the obvious changes that would lead to better outcomes and less need to heal from what they are imposing.
As a direct to Alison, should she read this...
You are an amazing human being deserving of so much better than what you have been through. Your strength in dealing with it all is an inspiration to me. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story. I wish I could send you a hug, but this virtual one will just have to do.