LifeChange profile: Dan Nelson

Dan Nelson pictured above "before" and "after" LifeChange. The physical changes are evident, but more important changes have happened for Dan that are not visible to the eye. Dan has completed LifeChange after struggling with a 25- year addiction to cocaine and other drugs. More changes are on the horizon for Dan, as he starts his new job right here at Union Gospel Mission as the Men's Recruitment Specialist. He will be reaching out to men who are hopeless and struggling to break free of the hold of addiction.

Dan's addiction started in the 1970s when a party atmosphere prevailed and recreational drug use was rising. Drugs began to dominate Dan's life. He used drugs to mask pain and cope with low self-esteem. Though he tried various treatment programs, nothing seemed to work. Dan found himself at age 39 living at home with his parents, broke, in despair with no future prospects. His mother (our very own Volunteer Coordinator, Marlene Thornburg!) was receiving the Union Gospel Mission newsletter in the mail, and let Dan know about LifeChange. The first person Dan met was Denise Middleton, and his first reaction when presented with the rigorous rules and long-term LifeChange program was, "I'm not staying here."

Dan decided to give LifeChange a try. He started feeling better and knew LifeChange was different.

"The main thing is Jesus, that makes all the difference. And, people really care about you here," Dan says, explaining why he decided to stay in LifeChange.

Dan is excited about his position, and is looking forward to helping men he can relate to, and letting them know there is help to make that "life change." Dan says the challenge now is to have balance as he transitions out of his responsibilities in LifeChange and learns his role as a staff member.

When asked his reaction to his new role as Union Gospel Mission staff member, Dan replies with a smile, "Be careful what you pray for."

What is LifeChange?

LifeChange is a community. Each member of LifeChange lives and works together at the Mission. The cornerstone of LifeChange is faith in the transforming power of Jesus Christ. LifeChange is a peer-based, each resident helps each other to identify issues and grow in their recovery. LifeChange is self-governed, as residents work together to make decisions as a community. LifeChange is long-term, and goal– oriented. Most residents spend two to four years to complete LifeChange.

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