This letter is for our dedicated Charles County elected officials, judges, those serving in law enforcement, clergy, chaplains, Point of Change board of directors, volunteers, staff, the Ministers Alliance of Charles County and Vicinity and to those who came out to celebrate successful returning citizens.

The Point of Change Jail & Street Ministry extends a hearty and heartfelt thank-you for such a successful expression of love, encouragement and care. All of you showed up at our appreciation gala Nov. 14 at Grace Lutheran Church in La Plata, ready to make tangible your support, concern and commitment to helping us increase our efforts to serve the disenfranchised and underserved.

Master Douglas Cooley, Maryellen Kraese and Sheriff Rex Coffey informed attendees how tough decisions must be made and respected while on the road to success. They also encouraged those who must live by them as well as the families and communities that must stand ready to support them.

The well-attended event raised $2,499, and the mantle was raised by guest speaker Yvonne J. Medley, author of “The Prison Plumb Line.” A lovely dinner was served, prepared and donated by Grace Lutheran Church for the free event.

The Life Skills programs, administered to inmates and returning citizens, were highlighted, including an impactful documentary, featuring Larry Cullens who pleaded his precautionary testimony about the perils of drinking.

We communed together not only to celebrate, but also to promise to always be there for anyone ready to receive our much-needed services — with your help.

Thank you to Charles County delegation chairman Del. Peter Murphy (who also brought greetings from U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer), Del. C.T. Wilson, Charles County commissioners’ President Candice Quinn Kelly and commissioners’ Vice President Reuben Collins II for their encouraging words and for the citations awarded to successful returning citizens as well as to the Point of Change board of directors, clergy, volunteers and staff.

Each awardee also was issued a certificate of special recognition by U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin. We are truly grateful for all the work that has and will be done.

A special thank-you to Pastor Charles Long, Paul Lenker, Becky Hoffman and the Grace Lutheran Church family. We love you all.

John A. Lewis, La Plata

The writer is the founder and senior chaplain of Point of Change Jail & Street Ministry.