TTLM Connection
If you aren’t familiar with TTLM Connection, it’s a place where those who are on a journey to change their lives can find support by linking arms with others on a similar journey. Some of the struggles these clients have overcome include homelessness, loneliness, anxiety, doubt, depression, lack of self-worth, and self-harm. Their success is tied to their involvement in TTLM Connection.
Unfortunately, the pandemic forced us to cancel all in-person gatherings for a season. It was a difficult choice for us to make because we knew that social distancing and stay-at-home orders would force many of our clients into isolation. We’ve seen them take significant steps forward on their journey to life-change, and we didn't want to see them fall back into old habits. So, in addition to offering virtual gatherings for those with access to the internet, our team worked extra hard to stay connected through texts and phone calls.
2020 reminded us just how essential it is to have a consistent, supportive community! We felt like we were starting over when we were finally able to start meeting in person again.
Returning felt like...you know when you go to a Christmas dinner at your grandma’s house, and it’s been forever since you last saw your cousins? Sometimes I only see my cousins once a year. For me, at least, it can be super awkward, and it’s a struggle to come up with stuff to talk about. Well, that’s how Connection seemed after some time apart.
Jwana joined the team in November, just as TTLM Connection was gearing back up. Jwana recalls that when she first stepped into her role as the case manager and started facilitating Connection, the weekly attendees were shy, timid, and did not want to open up. But, with a little bit of time and a whole bunch of intentionality, trust and vulnerability have returned!
“In the short time that I have been conducting Connection, I have seen the clients grow tremendously. There is so much love among the participants that extends beyond only our meetings. They call, pray for each other, and support each other in other ways if there are needs.”
Jwana has done an exceptional job planning the weekly meetings and making everyone feel welcomed and accepted.
Recently, one of our TTLM Connection participants who just moved from across the county to our area shared this with us:
“TTLM Connection is my family away from home. TTLM has been the best support system for me, and I would not still be here if it had not been for you all. I am so grateful to God for bringing me here!”
None of this would be possible without our generous donors, dedicated staff, and faithful volunteers. God is doing great things in the lives of our clients, and we want you to know that He will do the same for YOU!