Melanie Whitter, Associate Director of the Department of Human Services’ Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (OASA), recently toured Serenity House and dined with clients in the new Men’s Extended Residential Care Facility. As a token of their appreciation for the great support Serenity House receives from OASA, the clients presented Ms. Whitter with letters of appreciation, some of which are reprinted below:

Dear Ms. Whitter:

Not long ago I was living on the street with alcohol and drug problems. Life seemed hopeless. By the grace of God I was able to make the decision to get help. The counselors and staff here at Serenity House have helped me turn my life around. And I now have a bright outlook on my future. I was informed that you are responsible for some of the beauty and comfort I have today. To merely say thank you would not begin to show my appreciation for all your efforts and kindness. You have truly helped to make this part of my newfound journey unforgettable.

With all my gratitude,
B.B.

Dear Ms. Whitter:

I am currently a resident at Serenity House. I would like to express my gratitude for the nice things that have been provided with your help. Last year about this time I was deep in my addiction and was sleeping on anything or in anything. It really helps when you have a house full of nice furnishings and a comfortable bed to sleep in at night. Again, my sincerest gratitude.

Thank you!
L.C.

Dear Ms. Melanie Whitter:

I would like to express my immense gratitude for the lovely amenities you have provided for us here at Serenity House. I has greatly improved my life and in particular the conditions of my living. It has been a huge step forward and I cannot begin to explain the difference it has made. Once again I would like to say thank you.

Sincerely,
G.P.

Dear Ms. Whitter:

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for the furniture that you help get for Serenity House. I had not slept in a bed in almost 3 years, so it is really nice to have a nice warm bed to sleep in every night. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
F.Y.

Dear Ms. Whitter:

I would like to extend my sincere heartfelt gratitude for the many amenities that were provided by you and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. This time last month I was homeless. I didn’t know where my next meal would come from, let alone a bath or a place to lay my tired and sick soul. Thanks to you and OASA, my only concern now is enlarging my spiritual life as to have a 24 reprieve, one day at a time, from this insidious disease. And for that I am eternally in your debt.

Sincerely,
S.P.

Dear Ms. Whitter:

I just want to say thank you for helping to provide us with all the furniture we have today—especially the beds which are extremely comfortable. I normally slept on the ground, benches, or on a cot in jail . . . sometimes even under bridges and in dumpsters. Today, I don’t need to sleep there thanks to you good people.

Thanx again.
K.J.

Dear Ms. Whitter:

I would like to express my gratitude for all the amenities made possible by OASA. Last year at this time I didn’t have any of these things. It takes a hard bottom to realize all the hard things I have taken for granted. Without the help of organizations like yours, recovery would be very hard. Once again thank you, and keep in mind that once again your assistance does save lives.

Sincerely,
R.K.