Men of Nehemiah Launch Early Giving for North Texas Giving Day

Men of Nehemiah, a faith-based residential recovery program in Dallas, has kicked off early giving for its North Texas Giving Day campaign with a goal of raising $200,000 to help fund scholarships and support counseling for the men’s families. The 16th annual North Texas Giving Day is set for Thursday, September 19 from 6 a.m. (CT) to midnight.

“Our 2024 campaign theme is Heart of Worship,” said Jim Ramsey, CEO of Men of Nehemiah. “When men arrive, their hearts are broken by addiction. Over time, through Biblical discipleship, clinical services, and our unique military structure, their hearts are transformed into hearts of worship towards God. The transformation is profound and lasting.”

Several men’s stories are featured on the Men of Nehemiah’s North Texas Giving Day page at northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Men-Of-Nehemiah.

“Our model of change begins in our nine-month Core Residential Program,” explains Ramsey. “Our intensive residential program rebuilds a man's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical walls which have been torn down by addiction. In addition, they participate in case management, job placement training and educational opportunities in preparation for a successful re-entry into society.”

More than 85% of the men who come to Men of Nehemiah were previously homeless. “We rely on the generosity of donors and community partners to provide funding for the comprehensive treatment needed for real transformation and recovery. While some of the men were previously homeless or even incarcerated, some also come from gated communities and suburban neighborhoods. Addiction respects no zip code.”

Addiction takes a toll on more than just the men who have been in its grip. It causes a great strain on their families. “Our family counseling program helps family members better understand the addiction cycle so they can communicate with their loved ones better and establish healthy boundaries. Often a family’s lack of knowledge about addiction can unwittingly contribute to the cycle of addiction. Having family members who can better support an addict and demonstrate healthy behavior and communication are important factors in lasting recovery.”

In 1994, Pastor Louis Harrell, a former US Army Colonel, founded Men of Nehemiah in New Orleans to deliver his wayward son, Louis Harrell, Jr., from the grip of addiction. Louis Jr. relocated to North Texas, where he launched Men of Nehemiah in South Dallas with the help of Roger McCasland, President and CEO of Operation Relief Center.

Today, Men of Nehemiah has helped more than 1,500 men find paths to recovery. Research compiled in 2022 affirmed that 61% of men who graduated from Men of Nehemiah prior to 2020 stayed sober for at least two years. More information is available at menofnehemiah.org.