For over a decade the ACE Overcomers curriculum continues to be a core part of our Hope for Men and Women program. Men and women are finding healing and wholeness as they come to understand their self-worth and develop skills to make their way in a life transformed through Christ.
Teaching ACE Overcomers Building Health Parenting Skills Class
By Gina Thomas, MCRM Director of Senior Meals
& ACE Overcomers facilitator
I went through the ACE Overcomers Building Healthy Life Skills class while in the Hope for Women program. Dave Lockridge jokes all the time about how I was so angry. Who would have thought I would eventually become a facilitator. Over the past 8 weeks, the ladies in our Hope for Women program have been learning how to become nurturing towards their children, and how to guide them with the Lord’s leading, and how to teach them healthy ways to socialize in school, at home, and as they become adults. Through the ACE Overcomers Building Healthy Parenting Skills class, the women learned how to listen to and care for their children in a healthy way. The ladies received certificates which are recognized by the family court. This is a great resource in their journey to family reunification. The smile of accomplishment on their faces when they received their certificates says it all.
Teaching ACE Overcomers
By David Carr, MCRM COO
& ACE Overcomers facilitator
I went through the ACE Overcomers course about 7 years ago. I remember sitting there listening to the man that was instructing the class explained that there was nothing wrong with me, that there had been things in my life that had happened to me. The statement was a huge stepping-stone in my recovery.
Once I completed the class and ended my program, I researched ways to get involved with Dave Lockridge, and ACE Overcomers to become a facilitator. I have now been facilitating groups for participants that were formerly incarcerated teaching the building healthy life skills curriculum. Coming from a lifestyle of being formerly homeless and incarcerated, I can relate and help participants through change.
ACE Overcomers and the Merced County Rescue Mission, A Partnership Made in Heaven
By Dave Lockridge, CEO, ACE Overcomers
Fifteen years ago, I walked into the Merced County Rescue Mission and asked to meet with the CEO, Herb Opalek. Entering into his office, I introduced myself, “Hello Herb, I’m Dave Lockridge, I’m studying the effects of childhood trauma called adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. I’ve developed a curriculum to help men and women overcome the effects of a difficult childhoood. Will you let me teach a class at the Mission?”
Herb looked at me suspiciously (can you say stink eye?) and said, “I don’t know...” I interrupted him, “Herb, you can trust that this program is Biblically sound and scientifically accurate.” “Well, OK. We’ll give you a try,” Herb replied. Over the next ten weeks, I taught the men in a cramped upstairs room under the watchful eye of staff who made sure I wasn’t a heretic.
One day Herb called me into his office and said, “I’ve heard the men talk of how your lessons have helped them. Your class is now required of every man and woman in the Mission.” Since that humble beginning, ACE Overcomers has expanded to serve rescue missions and churches across the U.S., Canada, Scotland, England, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. The partnership of Merced County Rescue Mission and ACE Overcomes was a match made in heaven.