Past and Future
History
In 1989 Reverend C.B.T. Smith had a vision of an outreach ministry that would assist men who were addicted to drugs and alcohol. As a result of this vision his first era was to begin a Bus Ministry using the church vans to pickup the targeted population in various locations throughout the city. Those who showed an interest in wanting to change their lives were brought back to the church where they were fed, clothed and the Gospel was shared with them.
It was soon determined that far more was needed in assisting the men who responded to our offer of an opportunity to change their lives. Thus, in late 1989, Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church purchased a house in the area of the church to be used as a residence for the men. The first five men solicited resided in the newly acquired property. The aim was to provide a safe atmosphere where the men could focus on being rehabilitated through principles and morals set forth in the Bible.
From 1989 until mid 1992 the ministry was under the leadership of Reverend C.T. Shelly. During his tenure two additional houses were purchased and approximately 300 men were served.
From July 1992 through January 1997 the ministry was under the leadership of Minister Vincent T. Parker. During this time several teaching and guidance principles were introduced and adopted. The name of the ministry was changed from the Discipleship Ministry to Adult Rehabilitation Ministry. A licensed drug counselor was hired and the ministry was set into phases – primary care and aftercare, each teaching the necessary recovery and life skills.
From February 1997 to February 1999 the ministry was under the leadership of Minister Henry C. Green. ARM began a contract with the North Texas Food Bank, where the participants volunteer their services and receive community service hours and ARM credit for food purchases.
From March 1999 to present the ministry has been under the leadership of Obie Bussey. During this period another component was introduced and adopted – Relapse Intervention – started to assist those men who had completed the ministry and moved back into their former environment and subsequently relapsed back to their old behavior.
In 1999, ARM was incorporated and designated as a 501 (C) (3) organization.
Since then, a meeting for families has been established to enlighten loved ones on how to deal with their addicted family members as well as themselves. In 2001 the Family Support Ministry was started with Keia Bussey as team leader. This program is designed to provide strategies to eliminate co-dependency for family members that have relatives in the ARM, through Bible study, sharing and mutual fellowshipping.
In 2002 under the leadership of Dianne Robinson the Women Adult Rehabilitation Ministry was introduced as an intensive out-patient program designed to help women that are suffering from drug or alcohol abuse. Shortly after, ARM also joined Rick Warren’s Celebrate Recovery, Christ-based step program.
In 2004 ARM associated with the international organization World Vision. This international faith based organization meets the needs in the communities across the world. Through this partnership ARM provides volunteers to assist in the warehousing and distribution to hundreds of organizations and schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
In 2004 ARM associated with Restoration Outreach Dallas (ROD), which is an aftercare ministry for the incarcerated. ROD has over the months sent more than twenty men who were incarcerated with addiction issues to progress through the ARM program. As a partner ARM has provided services to these individuals in recovery from addictions.
In 2005 ARM and Golden Gate embarked on a $2 million capital campaign to house these vital ministries, the fruit of which was manifested in August, 2006 when we opened the doors to The Gate House.
In 2007, we formally organized our ARM Alumni Association, with 150 active members working to carry the message of hope by serving in their communities and giving back to our ministry.
Our Future
ARM aims to continue implementing computer training and job readiness teaching for clients, restructure and re-energize ARM’s alumni to create opportunities for past clients to stay connected to the ministry and mentor the current clients.
We plan to begin another capital campaign to complete our “Recovery Village” concept, which will include all new housing and in patient care for both women and men, provide transitional housing for needy families and those with AIDS or HIV. The goal is to have the ministry fully funded by grants and individual contributions.
We hope to continue strengthening our ties with the community by broadening our volunteer base and collaborating with other churches and like-minded organizations in the Dallas area and abroad.
In the vein of collaboration, we aim to train, equip and teach other ministries and churches to carry on this vision that God has set forth for recovery and restoration of his people.
