Our Story
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 Hand in Hand  is  a  God  inspired  organization.   Our story is unique in that Hand in Hand was born out of an obedience to love and serve others. Through the   dedication   of   its   founders,  God   has   been   able   to   do   big   things   for   men   and   women   in   addiction.   

MAILMAN ON A MISSION - Hand in Hand was founded by David Douglas, a former Eustis postal carrier who saw a need to help the homeless in our community. He formed a ministry at his church, theCross Mt. Dora, called Hand in Hand to help the underserved. After spending countless hours working with people on the streets, he soon realized that most were experiencing some type of addiction. Recognizing this, the focus quickly shifted to spreading awareness about and working with those in addiction.

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 THE LONGEST SPEECH EVER - With the help   of   volunteers from his  church   and   his  big-thinking   pastor   Zach Zehnder, a plan was formed to raise money to open a men's recovery home. A  fundraising  event  was  held  where  Pastor  Zach broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest speech ever by preaching for   over   53 hours    and 18 minutes. Over $100,000 was raised to purchase the first   recovery home in 2014  to house 12  men called His Power House. Hand in Hand was on its way to becoming one of our areas most important recovery centers.   

Click on the photo to watch the Fox 35 News video.

THE RUTH HOUSE -   In 2007 Rebecca Randall founded the Ruth House Transitional   Shelter   for   women  and  children  in crisis in Umatilla.   Rebecca  originally started her ministry with her husband Brad in  their own home.     Rebecca struggled with addiction in her early years and through the grace and blood of Christ  has been in recovery for 21 years.   She is retired from the United States Air Force after serving for 21 years as a Structural Maintenance Technician and is an Ordained Minister.   In   2017    The Ruth House merged with Hand in Hand   becoming   one   program   serving   both   men   and   women.   

TODAY - Hand in Hand Recovery   operates  5 homes totaling 52 beds with plans to expand to meet the growing need.   It has helped transform the lives of hundreds of men and  women in addiction. Many of the same volunteers   that helped with the founding of Hand in Hand are still dedicated to the organization today.   Hand in Hand is grateful to the   churches,   businesses   and   community   partners   that   have   supported   us   along   the   way.   We   look   forward   to   celebrating   our   10th Anniversary   in   2024.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  -   Romans 8:28

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