Dear Friend,
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a little over a year since I stepped into the role of CEO at 70×7 Life Recovery. What a remarkable year it’s been!
Every once in a while, you find yourself in the right place, surrounded by the right people, and it just feels right. That’s exactly how I feel being part of this incredible ministry. I believe I’ve been given the gift of experiencing that alignment so I can walk alongside others—especially those we serve—as they move from a season of wondering what’s next to discovering their right place and community.
We know that God is always with us, encouraging us forward. Even when we walk through seasons of uncertainty, He uses every lesson, every hardship, to prepare us to step into His greater plan.
That’s the heart of what we witness daily here at 70×7 as we support individuals reentering society after incarceration in Kent and Ottawa Counties. This past season has been full of momentum, and I’m thrilled to share just a few highlights that your faithful support has made possible.
We’ve fully renovated two of our transitional properties!
The Benson property in Grand Rapids—now home to up to 16 men—has been transformed into a warm, inviting space where participants can rebuild their lives with dignity. Watching these men settle into a place that feels like home has been deeply moving.
We’ve also completed work on Pearl’s House, a beautiful duplex named in honor of our generous benefactors, Arvin and Pearl Tap. This home is ready to welcome up to five women, and we’re dreaming of the day we might host a mother and her children in one of the units.
And perhaps most exciting of all: we’ve relaunched our mentor program! Like so many in-person efforts, it was deeply impacted by the COVID season. But as we know, mentorship is the heartbeat of 70×7 Life Recovery. Our incredible 96% success rate is rooted in the power of one-on-one and group mentoring relationships. Reigniting this program has brought new energy and purpose to everything we do.
Our team is stronger and more unified than ever. We’re seeing God’s hand at work across every corner of the ministry. And because of this extraordinary community—because of you—we’re able to offer the life-changing support and encouragement our participants deserve. Every person we serve has said yes to a new path, and it’s through your partnership that we can walk alongside them toward success.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for continuing to say yes—through your prayers, your support, and your generous financial partnership. I am deeply honored to be part of this ministry in this season, and I thank God for each of you daily.
With gratitude,
Lisa Mathews
CEO, 70×7 Life Recovery