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One ministry had chocolate.

Another ministry needed to help its residents fighting drug addiction stay sober by eating that chocolate.

The two were introduced through a local ministry network called Faith Works, and miracles began to

happen.

The chocolate ministry of Here I Am Ministries began when founder Tavie Gunneson learned that addicts are more successful at staying sober if they have chocolate to eat.

"One of the girls I worked with in the jail, told me that the chocolate helped curb her craving for drugs," said Gunneson.

After Gunneson provided chocolate for this woman, she found that many other recovering addicts were in need of it as well.

"We now redistribute chocolate after Halloween, Christmas and Easter and we can never get enough," said Gunneson. "If we had a steady supply of unused holiday candy, it would be so helpful for those who are fighting their addictions."

Gunneson also gives the candy to children who visit their

parents in jail.

A calming influence

Another organization that benefits from the chocolates given out by Here I Am is the Chosen Homeless shelter in Hamilton.

Kay Waldo, director of Chosen, said chocolate can help an addict stay calm during a very difficult transition.

"It helps with the withdrawal because the chocolate has a calming effect," she said.

The chocolate, Waldo said, is also given to residents at Chosen who are not addicts, but who have forgotten that there are people who care about them.

"That's what this ministry is about, the love of Christ shining through to these people," Waldo said. "It means so much, when they see someone bringing in chocolate just for them."

Chosen resident Dan Sandlin agreed.

"It makes me feel wonderful knowing that there are people who care and donate things to us," Sandlin said. "It makes you realize you're not alone."

'The connector'

Here I Am Ministries, and the Chosen Homeless Shelter are able to share their chocolate ministries because of their membership in the Faith Works network. The network allows ministries to communicate with each other, and thelp solve common problems and identify needs. Faith Works also provides a starting point for any community member who wants to volunteer in a particular ministry.

Mindy Finnerty, president of Faith Works, aid the chocolate ministries of Here I Am and Chosen are just another example of how different ministries can work together.

"The connection is what is important, and our goal is to serve as the connector between the various ministries of Butler County," Finnerty said.

How you can help

To donate chocolate to the ministries serving people battling addictions, or who are living in a shelter, contact Tavie Gunneson at Here I Am Ministries at (513) 867-0656. Donations can also be dropped off at the Chosen Homeless Shelter at 622 East Ave., in Hamilton.

Learn more

Anyone who is looking to become involved in community ministry work, such as the chocolate ministry, should attend the upcoming Faith Works Conference set for Oct. 13-14, at Redeemer Church, 3431 Hamilton-Middletown Road. For more information about the conference or Faith Works, call Mindy Finnerty at (513) 858-1738.