Charlie & Kathie Saari- Founders
Last week, I took my grandchildren to a fundraising night of worship for an organization. It was a great time. Many people came together to make this a successful meeting. For what purpose? To support Gates Recovery Center.
Music was provided by Main Street Music, a group of people who love to do things like this. Coffee was provided by Trio Coffee and there were jewelry and treats. A community that came together to address a problem. And a lot of money was raised to support substance abuse recovery.
(Full disclosure-I have known the founders, Kathie and Charlie Saari for approximately 10 years. At one point I was on their church ministry board.)
Many of us have experienced the pain of addiction. 2018 statistics from 1 in 10 people struggle with some level of substance use, including addiction to prescription drugs. So, what do we do?
I followed up with the Saari’s and asked some questions of them.
Kathie responded and here are her responses.
(Positive News For You)
Tell me how you first got involved in this area of recovery.
(Kathie Saari)
Our Son Joshua started using drugs at an early age of 25 years. That began our 15-year journey and battle with him as he continued using till about 2 years ago. We learned a lot through it all and most of all the Holy Spirit taught us so much on how to pray and declare the promises of God over our Son. In the midst of all the learning and suffering, God used us to encourage others parents who also had prodigal children as well as walk with others who were struggling with addictions.
(Positive News For You)
What was your first impression of field being entered?
(Kathie Saari)
“I shouldn’t be doing this!” That was my first impression but it quickly turned into a huge dependence on God where we learned more daily and began speaking the truth more.
(Positive News For You)
What’s your first memory of (something related to the beginning)?
(Kathie Saari)
I couldn’t believe that we found cocaine in our son’s room. I remember being stunned and angry about it all.
(Positive News For You)
What has surprised you most about working with this cause?
(Kathie Saari)
That all those with substance addiction look and do the same things. It was as if they all turned into the same people. Amazing!
(Positive News For You)
What do you find most challenging about it?
(Kathie Saari)
Not having enough resources to meet the needs of those wanting to recover. Today the Substance use is everywhere, an epidemic, and our countries cannot keep up with resources.
(Positive News For You)
What’s the best/worst thing to happen since you started working doing this?
(Kathie Saari)
The worst people hurting you as you helped them. The best people getting free.
(Positive News For You)
When you last (volunteered, made a donation, etc.), how did that make you feel?
(Kathie Saari)
Always wonderful!
Many turn to addiction. Destruction often follows. Jobs, health, finances, families, and friends disappear in the wake of addiction. More and more, we look for answers. The statistics about addiction and the results are not encouraging. But, where dedicated people offer hope and encouragement, the world becomes brighter and solutions are found.
Thank you, to all of you who help those in need. Organizations like Gates of Recovery need your support. Not just financial support, but encouragement, volunteering, and help. Maybe you have a Gates Of Recovery near you. They need you.
