If you’ve received our Vision newsletter in the past four years, you may recall reading the story of Chris Brown, featured in the December 2016 issue. In that interview, Chris shared his desire to become a social worker.
While incarcerated in 2014, Chris sent a letter to Jeff Hegenauer, Director of Operations, stating his need for temporary shelter following his release. Jeff responded that he was welcome at City Rescue Mission, so in November 2015, Chris came to the mission and started on the path to a better life. With the help of mission staff and his mentors, Pastor Thomas and Mrs. Jessie Greer, he was back on the right path.
After enrolling in and completing our S.A.V.E. Program, Chris was hired to work at City Rescue Mission. He started at the former Rescue Ministries Thrift Store then was permanently hired in 2017 and is currently a men’s emergency shelter supervisor.
Chris remains focused on his goal. He lives independently and in 2018 enrolled at Delta College to begin classes in social work. He is studying hard and taking his new life seriously. His desire is to offer men the same hope and grace given to him. Admittedly, some days of studying and working with the men are harder than others. “I try to give back what was given to me. I just want to see these guys make it.”
One of the biggest blessings in turning his life around is that Chris gets to be a father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. He was looking forward to walking his daughter – who lives out of state – down the aisle for her wedding; however, due to the pandemic her plans are on hold. In the meantime, they keep in touch and look forward to their special day.
Chris will graduate with an associates degree in the spring of 2021 at which time he plans to enroll at Saginaw Valley State University to pursue his bachelor’s degree. His two favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 which pushes him to move forward and Isaiah 54:17 which helps him when obstacles arise.