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These were the thoughts going through Eugene Fetherman’s mind at the end of November, 2006 as he was walking to The Milwaukee Outreach Center. Eugene (now 42) was at a low point of his life, living in a tent and reeling from a $300 fine for stealing a 75 cent can of tuna.

He was carrying a water-soaked business card with the address of The
Milwaukee Outreach Center (TMOC). He found TMOC because a librarian offered him a free bus pass to our Thanksgiving Celebration of Love. As Eugene visited with his table host Catherine Gluck, he inquired about who we were and what we did. This is how he found us. Eugene enrolled in our Phoenix Life Skills program that helps people find purpose, direction and employment. He was then directed to the Guest House for his housing needs where for 21 days he slept on the floor because no beds were available. It was here he began to get help through their alcohol and drug programs.

On December 8, 2006 Eugene graduated from our Phoenix class. He
was able to make it to class each day because of TMOC’s bus pass program. Slowly he began to see his life change.
Having a mentor from the Phoenix program proved to be a valuable
experience. “For a long time I didn’t open up to anyone,” he said. “Up
to this time, the only person I talked to was a librarian that I would see once in awhile. A mentor is someone who is willing to spend time with you and helps you see things that you normally wouldn’t see.”

There are layers of help in Eugene’s story. The Milwaukee Outreach
Center, the Guest House, the Seven C’s Clinic, Veterans Affairs, rent assistance and the Adult Opportunity Center at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee have all had a part in Eugene’s transformation.

Today Eugene is in his second semester at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He is pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science with the goal
of becoming a systems analyst and designer of computer network
systems.

He says he will always work hard for the poor in order to improve the community. He is deeply concerned for Milwaukee saying,“Most people in Milwaukee are unaware of how many people are homeless.

This is a big problem, right under mental health and the need for work. I have seen a lot people who are older and who do not have a stable place to live. These people are less likely to seek out help. It is very hard to help people.”

Thomas Tym volunteering at the No Regrets Conference. "This was a wonderful experience to hear and see over 5,000 men eagerly seek God's direction for their lives"

July 2007 graduating Phoenix class and speakers.  Since it’s inception in 1999, over 350 students have graduated from this program.

Another great compliment came to us during this dinner.  One of our Phoenix Life Skills graduates was showing guests to their seats.  One guest assumed that this graduate was our staff member.  What a compliment!  In fact, this graduate has caught a vision for her life, is active in church, works fulltime and is enrolled in a university program in psychology.  She said, “In a small way I want to be able to help people just as I have been helped.”

Our future is bright in giving hope to those who have lost hope.  We are still reaching out and answering calls so others can know God’s love and forgiveness and experience lasting change.