Sterling June 2021
Justin 2019
In 2019, while in our infancy phase, BIMA open their first house and has served approx. 10 people in 2019. We are proud to announce our first two graduates of BIMA’s housing program. With written permission, we are sharing these resident’s success.
Justin was the first BIMA resident. While living at BIMA house he obtained employment with a merit increase. In Less than 6 months, he was promoted to management. Justin was determined to succeed. He reunited with the love of his life and their children, married and moved with his family.
Justin writes “Because BIMA help me with new coping skills, strategies, and plans of action, I was able to move forward and get married, moving back with my family. This has been a very adequate waiting period for me as well as one of my main goals moving into the BIMA household. This has been a great experience, and absolutely helpful to me for myself and family. Thank you for all the assistance given by BIMA, yourself and Marvin. Much appreciated. Sincerely, Justin.”
Rick
Our Second graduate is Rick. After his wife passed, life became a hardship as he supported himself with his disability income. Rick was homeless and lived at the Tacoma Rescue mission for approx. 3 months. Prior to moving into BIMA House, he spent his days hanging out at the public library daily to pass the time of day.
As the second oldest resident, through BIMA Services, his leadership skills were clearly ready to be used. His days quickly became full of purpose and opportunity. Rick was hired as the BIMA house overseer. He also joined a monthly book club. Through restoration, he realized his purpose and was hired as a volunteer with regular weekly hours at his local Goodwill. “Being disabled, I never thought I would work again.” He graduated in March, 2020 and moved into a one-bedroom apartment. He says he will continue to volunteer at Goodwill. Rick wrote: “BIMA has been and continues to be a very important part of my life. It rescued me when I was in the shelter dealing with life’s issues. BIMA is very special to me. Being involved in the first BIMA house and asked to be the overseer of the house made me so very proud. BIMA has made an impression on me and my life. I am going to continue to volunteer with BIMA and Goodwill. Thank you BIMA for everything.”