Stories Overview
Learn about other real experiences - From volunteers and clients.
70x7 Life Recovery Volunteer & Client Stories...
70 x7 Volunteers are changed by giving Time - Talent - Resources
“I began working with 70 x 7 because I wanted to give back and work 
with people who have had issues with addictions, as I am also a recovering alcoholic, and am very grateful for the miracle of my recovery. I am a life-long resident of Holland, a small business owner and was raised in the church. While it was never explicitly taught, the basic rule of thumb as it related to anybody who had ever been in jail, was to avoid them like they had a communicable disease. I lived by that rule until last year, when I made my first visit to the Ottawa County Jail. I met with David, who was 24 and had been in and out of the system since he was 17. We met because a Ridge Pointer had been in jail with David and, while incarcerated together, started talking about Life…”
"On my way to the jail, I remember that the fear of the unknown was unbelievable to me. I did not know what to expect, and, of course, pictured the worst. What I found was a young guy who had hit bottom—he was humble and resigned to the fact that he was facing a 14 to 168-month sentence in the state prison system for his past bad decisions. We have been writing since he was moved to state prison in the UP. Since meeting David, I have met with several other men who have been or are still in the County Jail. I can tell you that my thinking has been changed. I no longer look DOWN on these men, I reach out to them. I dine with them weekly. I give them rides. We chat about big things and little things. They’re just another guy just like me, except, they have had some life experiences I have not.”
-Kurt Buursma
“I joined the 70x7 group some months ago primarily because I felt it was time to begin giving back. Sometimes it’s easy to become involved with civic functions and find that you are there only helping yourself through gaining career contacts. My goal with 70x7 was to try to avoid gaining something for myself while I was giving. It didn't work. What I received out of participating is an understanding that the kids that I meet with weekly are not any different than I was at their age. At their age, I was blessed with a family structure that allowed me to avoid some of the things that have put these kids in their current situations. I now understand that once in these circumstances, change is difficult. I frankly don't know if I am yet doing any good in anyone's life, but the awareness of the struggles of this group has made a difference in my life.”
-Joe Haveman
“I was asked to go to a meeting at the Harbor House and go through a book called “Boundaries”. I am not an “in-depth” type of person; not really into psycho-analyzing my thoughts and wondered ‘what can I offer?’ I don’t have the answers to their questions that’s for certain. But after the initial jitters and feeling somewhat stupid and inept, I found a respect for the girls I chatted with. Soon I felt how courageous they were in such a hard, hard world. As time went by, friendships with the girls were made, a deeper appreciation of what life is about began to appear in my daily thoughts. I deeply cared about whether this girl or that one was going to make it in the world outside Harbor House. Prayers on their behalf began issuing themselves. Hugging became a ritual not to be missed by either the girls or us-“the helper ladies”. They have given me such joy and a sense of community. Each person I meet has some story to tell, and we should respond in a gentle, caring way.”
“I also have had the pleasure of cooking on Tuesdays for the 70x7 men and women. This job brings me great joy. God is blessing me to cook big, which I love; and serve others from my heart. They love food, therefore I get to bring to the table fulfillment of their needs and desires. They are very kind and generous to me , and I love them for it! God is good!”
-Patti Heyboer
“I have grown so much spiritually by getting to know women from Harbor House. Hearing their stories and seeing in them such a passion for life and a strong sense of courage to overcome difficult times, has touched me in so many ways. I also came from a very dysfunctional home and still carry the scars of abuse. Meeting and talking with these women each week has helped me understand life from different perspectives and helped me know that I am not alone in what I went through. I have always found it extremely difficult to share my story with others. This experience has given me the strength to open up and share my story in hopes it will give them the strength and support to help them get through another day and know that they are not alone. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people and I have gained great friendships that I will always treasure.”
-Beth Hartline
70x7 Life Recovery Client Stories...
Changing Lives - One Relationship at a Time.
“Since I was young, I have always been a hard worker and have carefully watched my money. Also, from a young age, I have listened to the lies Satan was telling me about how bad I was. Since I believed that, I always abused myself—and became physically, mentally and spiritually bruised. I lost everything, even my children. I was in so much pain. All I wanted to do was to drink myself to death.”
“Since I was young, I have always been a hard worker and have carefully watched my money. Also, from a young age, I have listened to the lies Satan was telling me about how bad I was. Since I believed that, I always abused myself—and became physically, mentally and spiritually bruised. I lost everything, even my children. I was in so much pain. All I wanted to do was to drink myself to death.”
-Dena
Family Matters - Support for Families Translates
“My name is Abby and I am in recovery from addiction. Every Thursday wonderful ladies come to Harbor House and teach us a new way of life. Those ladies are from the 70 x 7 organization. In recovery we not only learn tools to stay sober, ways to live healthy, but also how to build relationships. The women who come to our house teach us confidence, honesty, spirituality and how to be women. The ladies from 70 x 7 have changed my life. I can now build and have built meaningful, healthy relationships and the ladies are the best friends I have ever had.” (Abby)
“My name is Jessica and Abby is my sister. Our lives have been quite chaotic. We grew up in a dysfunctional home, with both parents being addicts and alcoholics. I began using drugs and drinking alcohol when I was 10, running away and skipping school as I grew older. Constantly, I was on a quest to numb myself and escape my problems through using drugs. Life was rough and I had become sick of it. I sought help and was referred to Teen challenge—I was there for almost two years; however, shortly after I left, I fell back into using drugs. I did not know how to function outside of institutions. I began traveling to different states and cities, trying to start over every time. The one thing that I didn’t realize was that wherever I went, there I was. I could not escape from myself. I came back to Michigan broken. That’s when I heard about 70 x 7. Through the help of the staff, I have found a safe place to live with a wonderful family. They also stood alongside of me as I faced a court sentencing. Now I have begun going to community college and I volunteer at the church as much as I can. Words can’t express the joy and fulfillment that I feel now. My life is finally on the right path. I am so very grateful for the program of 70 x 7. For the first time in my life, I truly like the woman I’m becoming.” (Jessica)
-Abby & Jessica
“I would like to sincerely thank each of you and the 70 x 7 program as a whole. I can honestly say that without your caring, understanding, going the extra mile for me, I would not be as far as I am in recovery today. It is through your resources, along with your advice and basically pointing me in the positive directions that I am where I am today. On my own I would never set this kind of program for myself. I wouldn’t be attending AA/NA three times a week. I wouldn’t have a great sponsor like I do now. I would not be attending church not be attending church on a regular basis. I would not have known where to go to start fixing my dental problems. I wouldn’t be looking into the option of going back to school for training. So with all my heart I sincerely thank you all. The only way I can think of is to take what you have taught me and use it to my advantage, and who knows maybe someday I can help someone who is where I was. I guess that would be the ultimate show of gratitude. Hey that’s another thing I probably would never have done.”
-Jason
“I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember, but I haven ‘t always been a committed follower of Christ. For most of my life I lived in the fast lane and have done things I am not proud of, including being addicted to drugs for five years and being incarcerated.
During those times, I felt very disconnected from my family and became more and more distant from not only my family, but also from God. I had become a thief, a liar, and an adulterer. Still, I was oblivious to the pain that I had caused in my life, and the lives of everyone who loved me. It wasn’t until I’d gotten arrested and locked behind bars did I realize what had happened. My life had spun out of control, and I had hit rock bottom. Right there at that moment is where God met me head on. I’d become in tune to God’s presence each day…(with) feelings of victory and perseverance. God had broken the chains and I was free even though I was behind bars.
I thank God for leading me to my new church home, and I’d like to thank 70 x 7 Life Recovery and everyone at Ridge Point Ministries for welcoming me here with open arms.”
-Ronald
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