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"I still have wounds, but now they're more like a beautiful scar." (Click here to read Marra's story in our newsletter!) Marra’s newborn son means everything to her. When a judge said she would lose custody of him because of her addiction, she was devastated. As that reality swept through her mind, she reflected on how she had got here. Marra first became homeless at age 16 after escaping an abusive situation. With no community to support her, Marra battled addiction, a miscarriage, and chronic homelessness for the next ten years. She was lonely. No one was there for her when she needed it most. “I didn’t think there was going to be anything better for me. I didn’t think I was better than that lifestyle.” She began to pray. She had to prove she could take care of her new baby boy or face losing custody of him. The thought of losing another child was too much to bear alone. She needed people to support and encourage her, so Marra got to work and enrolled in a recovery program. In recovery, Marra sought God through Scripture and prayer. The staff noticed her strong faith, and when she finished the program, they recommended her to a Christ-centered community where she would thrive: Toby’s Place. Marra’s hopes soared when she took that first step through the door. Toby’s Place was more beautiful than she imagined. Everyone’s face lit up with a smile and greeted her with joy. She settled into Toby’s Place quickly. Her faith continued to grow, and her peers uplifted her spirits with their love, care, and support. She learned important lessons about overcoming trauma, creating boundaries, and setting goals for the future. She thanked God for hearing her prayers. Marra was supported and encouraged in all areas of life by the staff and residents at Toby’s Place. She made lifelong friends, worked towards her GED, and was baptized at her new home church! When Marra graduated from Toby’s Place, there were many tearful hugs as the women celebrated how far Marra had come. "I love learning about the Lord and nurturing my relationship with Him. I've really found who I am at Toby's Place." Today, Marra continues to grow and thrive. She is working full-time and saving to move into permanent housing. She is grateful for God’s faithfulness to heal her past and excited for what He has in store next. Her transformation was made possible by partners like you, who support a spiritual community that gave her the support she needed to thrive. A donation of just $12.50 provides a full day of classes, care, and meals for a woman like Marra, and $9,000 will see one woman through the entire program.

Trusting in the Lord did not come easy for Courtney, but the love she received at Toby's Place moved her heart closer to God. Courtney battled her addiction for years. Trapped in an abusive relationship, she turned to drugs to numb the pain, but the substance abuse prevented her from caring for her child. “I tried to leave, but I didn’t have the resources to do so. My family relationships were strained, and I was alone. It was a cycle I couldn’t get out of.” She tried multiple times to get clean. Eventually, she realized her methods were not working. If she wanted to overcome her addiction, she needed to change her mind and heart. She again enrolled in a recovery program, determined to make this time different from the others. One day, Courtney asked her peer support specialist how she found peace in recovery. “It would not be possible without God,” the specialist replied. Courtney didn’t believe in God growing up, but her struggles had become too much to bear on her own. A fellow member of her recovery program had just enrolled at Toby’s Place, so the transformational program for women and children was fresh on her mind. “I got down on my knees and prayed, and everything kept pointing to Toby’s Place.” When she arrived at the facility after enrolling herself, she was blown away by the warm welcome she received. The staff greeted her with a smile. The building was beautiful. Her room was spacious, with fresh sheets, hygiene items, and even a teddy bear. “I was nervous about coming to a new place, but I could immediately see that all my needs were thought of before I even got here.” Courtney promised herself she would go above and beyond to change her life; the classes and counseling gave her a chance to do that. Her confidence soared as her relationship with her family began to heal, and she remained committed to her recovery. She was only beginning to experience the fruits of a life walking with God. Today, Courtney is over 15 months clean and works full-time. She remembers the spiritual guidance that encouraged her to strengthen her faith and plans to pay that forward to future residents at Toby’s Place. “I was healed, and I grew my relationship with God. I wouldn’t be able to do that without Toby’s Place.” Toby’s Place wouldn’t be able to serve Courtney without people like you, who faithfully help those struggling to start on the road to a new life. For just $12.50, you can provide a full day of care for a hurting neighbor and make life transformation possible. Hear Courtney's story in her own words:

Rising temperatures present a dangerous challenge for those experiencing homelessness in the Midlands. In 2008, the City of Columbia unveiled the slogan "Famously Hot" to describe our downtown community. This slogan is no longer used by the city, but the heat remains a summertime staple in the Midlands. The warm weather may signal the beginning of summer activities for some, but it is a dangerous reality for our homeless community. From June to August, the high temperature in the Midlands averages around 90°F. That doesn't include humidity! Asphalt temperatures can approach 150°F. Just imagine if that was your bed. Thousands of men and women in our community are on the streets in these grueling temperatures, wondering where they will get their next meal or stay the night. How can you help? We can't control the sun, but we can provide resources to help those experiencing homelessness stay healthy this summer. 1. Food and Water Nutrition and hydration are critical for someone who spends long hours in the summer sun. Every day, Oliver Gospel provides healthy meals and cold water bottles to over 200 struggling neighbors in our community. You can provide one of these meals for just $2.17. 2. Care Packages After a long, hot day in the sun, it's common to clean up and refresh with a shower. Our homeless community does not have that luxury, but we can still provide them with the essentials to stay comfortable. Fill up a gallon-sized bag with items like: Soap Deodorant Toothbrush and toothpaste Small towels or rags Sunscreen Bug Spray Once your bag is full, drop it off at Oliver Gospel's front desk, where we will distribute it to those who need it most! 3. Umbrellas and Ponchos Summer heat brings summer rain. Seemingly every day, a storm will pop up and dump inches of rain across the Midlands. You can help our homeless community be prepared by donating umbrellas or ponchos. Donations can be dropped off at our Thrift Store, where our staff will distribute them across the Mission. 4. Clothing and Backpacks Warm weather and consistent rain can ruin clothing quickly. Go through your closet and consider donating any light summer clothing you no longer wear. Thinking of throwing away your backpack after the school year ends? Donate it instead! Our homeless neighbors need a way to carry their supplies and materials. These items can also be dropped off at our Thrift Store. 5. Volunteer While vacations and activities may be at the forefront of most people's minds, the summer is a great time to volunteer at Oliver Gospel! Get your family, friends, or church group together and serve a community meal or sort donations at our Thrift Store! Summer is meant for fun, and we want to help everyone in our community enjoy the season! Generous supporters like you make that possible by keeping our homeless community in your hearts all year.

When Paula was left homeless, she knew she could no longer continue closing her heart off to those around her. By God's grace, she found Toby's Place. Paula felt uncertain as she drove through the gates of Toby’s Place. It was bigger than she imagined; she didn’t know if she was ready to take such a significant step in her recovery. The nerves brought back memories: her parents, her children, her abuser... A voice snapped Paula out of her fog. “Hello,” she heard from around the corner. A cheerful young mom pushed her baby in a stroller with pep and energy in her step. “Are you one of our new guests?” Paula nodded yes, and a smile filled the face of the woman. “Welcome! I live here too,” she said. The uncertainty Paula felt went away. She looked at the sky and silently prayed, “Lord, I think you’re telling me this is where I’m supposed to be.” Feeling welcome was foreign to Paula. Her parents were strict, cold, and loveless. She wasn’t allowed to play outside, so making friends was challenging. Her father kicked her out of the house when she was 16. If Paula wanted love, she would have to find it herself. She began to look in the wrong places, from drugs and alcohol to abusive partners. She was kidnapped and physically abused by the father of her children. When she escaped those terrifying relationships, she was left with nothing. She was homeless and unsure if she could provide for her children. As Paula walked into the lobby at Toby’s Place, she began to trust God's path for her. The beautiful facilities, a supportive welcome from the staff, and the positive interaction with her new friend lifted Paula’s spirits. For the first time, she felt determined to finish something she had started. The walls that once guarded Paula’s heart came down as she recognized the miracles God was working in her life. Faith-based counseling gave her healthy ways of overcoming her trauma and practicing forgiveness. “I used not to be able to talk about what he did to me. Going to my counseling sessions helped a lot. I got a lot out. When it felt like everything lifted off me, I finally actually forgave him.” Paula’s faith and confidence continued to blossom. In April, she graduated from the Toby’s Place program, secured a full-time job, and moved into her own permanent housing. Her children were in the audience celebrating the accomplishment: she had finished what she started! Your donation to Toby’s Place provides safety and hope to women like Paula, helping them overcome trauma, live in a safe community, and have bright futures. Hear Paula's story in her own words:

Ministry partners will be recognized during National Volunteer Week “We’re so very grateful for all of our donors and volunteers – individuals, churches, businesses, and civic organizations alike – who enable our ministry to be a place where miracles happen on a daily basis.” –Christian Albertsen, Community Engagement Coordinator COLUMBIA, SC — At Oliver Gospel, a plate of hot, nutritious food can be the first step toward a new beginning for neighbors who are hungry and struggling with life’s challenges. “A meal is something people often take for granted,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Christian Albertsen. “But from our many years of assisting men, women, and children who are homeless and hurting, we know that as their hunger subsides and their physical burdens are relieved, they can open their hearts to hope and find the strength they need to turn their lives around.” It costs $2.17 to provide a meal – and opportunities for a miracle – for each of the more than 200 individuals who come through the Mission’s door each day. Financial gifts from the community enable the ministry to provide food, shelter, faith-based recovery, adult education and vocational training all year round, empowering people to build lives of meaning and purpose. In addition to financial donations, the Mission also relies on gifts of time and compassion from volunteers who help with meals and provide vital resources and services the Mission couldn’t otherwise offer to their guests. The Mission will recognize and thank their volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 17-21. “We’re so very grateful for all of our donors and volunteers – individuals, churches, businesses, and civic organizations alike – who enable our ministry to be a place where miracles happen on a daily basis,” Albertsen said. “Their continued support truly blesses those we serve.” To make a gift to provide meals and miracles – or to learn more about the Mission’s many volunteer opportunities – visit olivergospel.org. Additional information about Mission activities and year-round programs and services are available on the site as well. To follow along for National Volunteer week, follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Oliver Gospel is a community-based mission that helps those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction transform their lives through physical, spiritual, and relational support to lead full, healthy lives. ###

You never know when you're going to take your last breath. Lindsay almost faced that reality, but God was not done working miracles in her life. Lindsay couldn’t believe she was alive. She had just awoken from a coma, even though the doctors told her family she was unlikely to survive. Her memory was fuzzy, but she was here. When she was six, Lindsay’s parents divorced and abandoned her. They sent her to a group home, a lonely place to grow up. She went to college but dropped out when her daughter, Riley, came along. She raised Riley on her own for years, never truly finding consistent housing or income for her little family. Hopelessness settled in. Then came the illness that nearly ended her life. Lindsay was scared for her and her daughter. What would happen to Riley if she died? After she awoke from her coma and began to recover, Lindsay felt hope for the first time. When she was released from the hospital, she called Toby’s Place. “Before I got sick, I believed in God, but I wasn’t living for God. I think He gave me a second chance to get my life back on track and have more faith in Him.” Lindsay’s faith continued to grow after arriving at Toby’s Place. She learned to manage her time, set goals, and create boundaries. She attended counseling and began to express her emotions through art, music, and exercise. Through daily bible studies and classes, her faith grew. Lindsay and Riley are thriving. The community surrounding her gives her the love and care she was neglected as a child. Her faith has grown tremendously, and Riley has a safe, stable environment. After finishing the program, Lindsay began working full-time and saving for permanent housing. She dreams of returning to school to finish her degree. “Toby’s Place gave me the willingness and determination to keep going, and I’m proud of sticking to it and completing the program!” A donation of just $25 to Toby’s Place can provide immediate hope for someone in need. Donate today!

Contact: Dylan Hall Phone: 423-464-2879 Email: dylan.hall@twomen.com TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Columbia, 4/4/23 —Though Mother’s Day is intended to be a joyous occasion for women across the country, thousands of moms will be overlooked on this special holiday because they are forced to live in shelters as a result of domestic abuse or homelessness. To ensure moms in crisis receive the love and appreciation they deserve this Mother’s Day, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Columbia is hosting its annual Movers for Moms® collection drive to provide critical gifts to local women staying in community shelters this spring. Heartbreaking statistics from the Domestic Violence Resource Center state that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. According to a national study from the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, approximately 25 percent of homeless women are homeless because of violence in the home. This year, the Richmond moving company is working with local businesses to collect essential care and comfort items for women at the Oliver Gospel – Toby’s Place. Oliver Gospel is a community-based mission that helps those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction transform their lives through physical, spiritual, and relational support so that they can lead full, healthy lives. Toby's Place, named in memory of Toby Cassels, is a center for Women & Children who are without a stable home due to numerous factors, including but not limited to substance abuse, and/or economic deficiency. Toby's Place shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with women and children as well as offering programs & counseling to help them achieve transformation and break the cycle of generational homelessness. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Columbia will be collecting donations from 3/29 to 5/8. For those who wish to donate, you may drop off items at the following locations during that time: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Columbia: 126 Atlas Ct, Suite B, Columbia, SC 29209 Cedar Creek Community Church: 120 Warner Dr, Columbia, SC 29223 Sassy Nails: 1351 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo, SC 29063 Basecamp Fitness: 3009 Millwood Ave, #300, Columbia, SC 29205 Follow Movers for Moms online at https://www.facebook.com/twomenandatruckcolumbiasc This spring marked the 16th anniversary of Movers for Moms. Since its introduction, the program has expanded nationally to all 47 states and more than 350 franchises. In 2022, more than 266,000 items were collected for donation to hundreds of shelters across the country. This year, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s goal is to help more moms in need across the country. ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving company in North America. Currently, there are more than 390 locations and 3,000 trucks operating in 47 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland and the UK. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has performed more than 9 million moves since its inception in 1985 and has seen consistent growth dating back to December 2009. In 2022, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked TWO MEN AND A TRUCK as one of the top 500 franchises in the U.S. and No. 1 in the moving/junk removal category. Franchise Business Review also named TWO MEN AND A TRUCK a 2022 Top 200 Franchise and a 2021 Top Recession-Proof Franchise. As of August 2021, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has joined the ServiceMaster brand. ServiceMaster was founded as one of America’s first franchise businesses and does business under six brands today across 50 states and nine countries that generate more than $3.3B in system-wide sales: ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, AmeriSpec and Furniture Medic. For franchising opportunities, visit franchise.twomenandatruck.com.

A hush fell over the dining hall at Toby's Place as the doors swung open. In walked 6 graduates dressed in their Sunday best with their heads held high. Each was one step closer to a future that was in their control. Every weekday, residents at Toby's Place attend two hours of career development classes and essential life-skills training. Throughout the beginning of 2023, our guests had the opportunity to complete the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) "Back to Work" program. "Back to Work" began in 2016 to assist individuals in transitional housing programs as they rejoin the workforce. Residents at Toby's Place attended 9 different classes, covering topics such as: Listening and Communication Skills Teamwork and Problem-Solving Strategies Resume Development Financial Management Once they completed each class, it was time to apply their knowledge. Mock job interviews were held, and residents pitched their talents to employers. These were followed by a hiring event, where guests applied the soft skills they learned to have conversations with employers across the Midlands. "Back to Work" concluded with an intimate graduation ceremony. Oliver Gospel staff gathered to celebrate the 6 residents receiving certificates of completion. A keynote speaker, Reverend Gregory V. Mallory, encouraged the graduates as they moved to a new chapter in their careers. "Without struggle, there can be no progress," Mallory told the graduates, echoing the words of renowned writer and abolitionist Frederick Douglas. The journey will not be easy, but the courage Toby's Place residents demonstrate daily will take them far throughout their careers. At Oliver Gospel, we strive to equip each person who walks through our doors with the resources they need to live successful, faith-filled lives. Your donation today allows programs like "Back to Work" to continue visiting Toby's Place and developing our residents into hard-working and driven individuals.

Holidays can be difficult for someone experiencing homelessness. This Easter, help individuals who are homeless and hurting restore their lives. The grass glistens as the morning sun reflects off the dew. Birds sing, and the smell of the freshly bloomed plants fills the air. There is a spring in my step as I prepare to attend church and spend the day with my family. This is my vision of a perfect Easter morning. This will not be the Easter that many in our homeless community experience. Holidays on the streets or in a homeless shelter can feel lonely. What many of us take for granted is a luxury that many in our homeless community will never experience. Easter is a time for hope. Just like a new flower blooms after winter, Jesus overcame death to create a beautiful life for all mankind. To celebrate His ultimate sacrifice, we can offer a chance at a new life to those in our homeless community. Oliver Gospel gives those in need the opportunity to create change. We asked residents at our Men's Center and Toby's Place what makes this Easter different than those in the past. Maxwell - Men's Center resident, program graduate "Last year, I was on the streets. I didn't really know it was Easter. This year, I know it's right around the corner. I've got a place to stay. I look forward to holidays more than I used to." Paula - Toby's Place resident "Last year, I had a lot of things going on, so I wasn't even thinking about Easter because my life was so chaotic. Things have settled down now, and I have a lot more hope." How can you help this Easter? Donate. Your gift supports programming that allows residents to build strong relationships with our professional staff, who equip them with the tools they need to live sustainable lives outside the Mission. Volunteer. Whether serving a community meal, sorting clothes at our Thrift Store, or completing a project around the Mission, your presence makes our guests feel welcome. Pray. Many of our guests have never been offered stable support. Keeping our guests in your prayers can show them a love they've never experienced. Easter is a time to celebrate the power of God's love. Every day, He's working miracles in the lives of men, women, and children at Oliver Gospel. Your support of this ministry is deeply appreciated. We need it now more than ever.

Mary refused to let her past define what her future could be. The pain was familiar, Mary thought to herself, but this was the final straw. Mary was trapped in yet another abusive relationship. How did she end up here…again? Little did she know that God was about to turn her story of pain into one of resilience and beauty. As a child, Mary was abused by her father. As a teen, she was sexually assaulted multiple times, and as a result, she was pregnant at the young age of 13. After moving to South Carolina in her twenties, Mary became trapped in yet another abusive relationship that resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. Mary’s life never had a chance to begin before it was stripped away from her. Pregnant, alone, and hurting, she left her home to find solace at a domestic abuse shelter, where she would give birth to her daughter. Two weeks later, Mary and her new baby found a home at Toby’s Place. “The moment I got out of the car, they were happy to see me, and I could feel the love. I could feel God here... it brought me to tears that night just thinking about it.” Mary was safe, loved, and cared for at Toby’s Place. The community of women allowed her to raise her daughter, establish healthy relationships, and begin pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. Toby’s Place was full of new beginnings for Mary – a chance to start over and become who she was created to be. Mary graduated from our program in January and moved back home, where family and friends welcomed her back. A place once filled with trauma has become an opportunity for her new beginning. “When all hope was lost, I got a second chance, and now I can have my life again.” You can help women like Mary find their new beginnings at Oliver Gospel by donating $25. This provides two nights of shelter, plus food, care, and safety for women and their children. By committing to give $25 monthly, you can provide transformation to even more women in need.

Enrolling in a recovery program far from home can be challenging, but God had prepared Nathaniel for the test. Nathaniel looked at his siblings with fear in his eyes. Every detox center in his city was full. His life was spiraling, and he was running out of options. “Lord, what do I do now? I need help.” He grew up in a healthy home, but after his parents passed away, the love of his older sisters could not relieve his grief. He was lonely and angry, and he turned to substance for answers. He never expected his decisions would destroy his relationship with his siblings. Family was everything to Nathaniel, and it broke his sisters’ hearts to see him struggle with addiction. Despite their disappointment in his choices, they agreed to help him find help. Together, they found Oliver Gospel’s Recovery Program, and soon the counselors and staff welcomed Nathaniel with open arms, treating him as one of their own. The hope and care he received strengthened his relationship with God and his family, who are so proud of his progress. Nathaniel learned to create healthy, sustainable habits and to forgive himself for the decisions of his past. He graduated from the Recovery Program in February and entered the Career Phase, proud of his new relationship with the Lord. “The mission taught me to start my day off with God. Let go of myself and ask God for direction.” Nathaniel has found restoration, hope, joy, and life through the power of Christ’s love and thanks to the generosity of partners like you. It only costs $12.50 to provide a night of safety, nourishment, and care for a neighbor like Nathaniel.

Think of a time in your life when you reached the end of a journey. Maybe it was graduating from school, resigning from a job, or ending a relationship with a loved one. How did you feel as you approached the finish line? Tamara stood confidently in front of the audience at Toby's Place. Tears came from her eyes, but these were not tears of sadness. These tears represented growth, strength, and a willingness to overcome adversity. After restoring her relationship with her daughter, clearing her DSS case, and securing not one, but TWO jobs, Tamara excitedly looked forward to a future that was in her control. She had graduated from Toby's Place, marking the end of one journey, but the beginning of a new one. "I don't fear life anymore because I know God has his hand on me. It's a new season, it's a new day," Tamara said. Graduation is one of the most important accomplishments Oliver Gospel's residents can achieve. We know that each guest who walks through our doors will someday have to leave. In our mission to engage and transform lives together through the power of Christ's love, we are adamant about celebrating our residents' accomplishments. Leaving your comfort zone and starting something new can feel scary. Oliver Gospel holds graduation ceremonies to let our residents know we will continue to be with them on every step of their journey. The ceremonies celebrate our residents' hard work to face their trauma, overcome adversity, and strengthen their relationship with the Lord. To graduate, a resident must complete our program curricula and begin searching for full-time employment and sustainable housing. The curriculum, which is typically completed in around six months, focuses on addressing our guest's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Tamara, the subject of our blog post "Getting There," graduated from programming at the end of February. Residents, staff, and friends gathered for an emotional ceremony highlighting her accomplishments. "I don't think I would be able to do any of this if it wasn't for God's grace and mercy. I needed another chance, my daughter needed a future, and Toby's Place was a big part of that," Tamara said. Each graduation begins with prayer. Our staff then reflects on that resident's growth and the highs and lows of their journey. Graduates receive a diploma certifying their accomplishments. Our food service managers even prepare our graduate's favorite desserts for those in attendance! Sharing your story in front of an audience is no small feat, and it is a beautiful representation of the encouragement our residents receive during their stay at Oliver Gospel. Our staff places a high priority on graduates being able to own their stories and continue moving in a positive direction before they prepare to leave the Mission. "In order for growth to happen, we have to feel discomfort. We have to accept where we are, and in order to change, we have to move toward our problems and not run away from them. That's what I saw from Tamara when she came here," Oliver Gospel case coordinator Lisa Hovis said. Your donation to Oliver Gospel creates moments like these, where our residents and staff can look back on all they've accomplished with a smile on their faces. Giving today gives all of our graduates a chance to celebrate.