The facility helps men get over their addictions.
Ijamsville, Md (KM) A fundraiser will take place on Saturday, September 29th at the Crossroads Freedom Center in Ijamsville. Crossroads is a faith-based, addictions recovery center for men. It’s located on 16-acres at 4730 Ijamsville Road.
The facility began operations three years ago, and was co-founded by Joe Tarasuk, who is himself a former addict. He says he began turning his life around 31 years ago when he was arrested in Woodbine, Georgia.
The fundraiser will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. “On that day, we’re going to have some gift cards and baskets donated for a silent auction,” says Dave Bucheimer with Bucheimer Construction Design and Build. He’s also the project manager for construction. In addition to the silent auction, Bucheimer says there will be some “special music..” “We have two artists coming: Eugene Clark, and then the Deep Waters Worship Band.”
He says there will also be some speakers, including State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, and Vernon King, a local pastor, and some testimony for the men who have gone through the Crossroads program. Frank Shelton, from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, will deliver closing remarks.
The fundraiser is also a chance for residents to help out with the local addiction treatment center. Tarasuk says the second floor of the former Gabriel’s Inn on the property is being converted into bedrooms, living areas and bathrooms. The facility currently serves eight men, but the goal is to serve 25 men. He says residents can get together and sponsor a room for $2500 a year. “That will help us with enough commitment and finances to keep the project moving,” says Tarasuk. “Even if they don’t have the money right away, maybe $2500 with a group of people will be easier to financially make.”
The goal for this year’s fundraiser is $35,000. The theme is “Set the Captives Free.”
During the furndraiser, Tarasuk says copies of his book, “Against All Odds,” will be offered for sale with the proceeds going to the Crossroads Freedom Center. “It’s a real detailed picture of my struggles and how the Lord turned me around. And also the struggles of my former wife with her opioid addiction,” he said. Tarasuk says his “former wife” is deceased.
Tickets cost $25, and are available for purchase on line at www.crossroadsfreedomcenter.com.
“I’m pretty sure that just about everybody has been touched by addiction,” says Bucheimer. “If you have been and you know the pain and tragedy of it, please come out and give us a hand. You’ll be proud you did.”
By Kevin McManus