How It All Started

My Transformation

I am a changed man from the inside out. I can not take credit for this; Jesus Christ led me from the hopelessness of my addictions to a brand new life! On September 8th, 2003, I entered the Seattle Metro branch of Adult & Teen Challenge, a one-year program available to persons battling alcohol and drug addictions. While in the program, my habits changed. Chain-smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, using cocaine, stealing, and getting drunk as often as possible were no longer my desires. God transformed my destructive thought process and freed me to pursue His plans for my life, which are more rewarding. I graduated from the program as a new person! In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun."

The Story

I knew at that point the Lord had called me to a life of helping others, but I did not know what direction He was leading me. I continued working at the Seattle Metro Adult & Teen Challenge for about four years, working first as an Intern, then as an Assistant Program Director, Education Coordinator, Work Coordinator, and Development Coordinator. During that time, in April 2008, I married my best friend, Amy. Once married, I felt it prudent to prioritize education, so I resigned from Seattle Metro Adult & Teen Challenge with a plan to return to school. 

The Need

The shift gave my wife and me a broader perspective, allowing us to spot a trend affecting people from lots of different drug and alcohol programs and the public in general. The hostile atmosphere that people want to escape is tough to get away from when completing a rehab program or just trying to progress in recovery, which makes relapse difficult, if not impossible, to avoid. To succeed in the long run, people must have a supportive, godly home to live in while they begin to implement the skills they are learning. 

The ABSOLUTE Process

We have outlined a limited structure process for those who enter ABSOLUTE. The Members reside with other members, share a room, pay tuition, complete their curriculum, and work an outside job, to name a few facets. This semi-structured environment facilitates their transition into the responsibilities of healthy living. ABSOLUTE allows members to build a network of supportive friends and develop relationships in the church and community while continuing in a limited structure environment for their success. In 2020, we partnered with Faith International University. The school has accredited our published workbook, and our Members get 45 college transfer credits towards their bachelor's degree for completing ABSOLUTE! They also get a 30% tuition scholarship at the University for being an active ABSOLUTE Member or ABSOLUTE Graduate. The Lord is faithful, and we trust him to continue leading us every step of the way. 

Expansion

In 2010, we opened a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a capacity of 4 men. In 2012, we sold that house and acquired a duplex in a cul-de-sac in Pierce County, Washington, with a capacity for 12 men. In 2014, we acquired another duplex in the same cul-de-sac to provide space for 12 more men. We then turned our attention to starting a women's campus. We found a four-plex and opened space for 12 women in March 2019. Later in 2021, we acquired another duplex in the same western Washington men's campus cul-de-sac and opened it for 12 more men. In 2022, we opened a duplex in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to serve up to 16 more men. Also, in early 2022, we signed a lease for another women's home in Western WA to serve 8 more women. In 2024, we opened a women's duplex in Coeur d'Alene to serve 16 women. Over the years, we've developed a team of approximately twelve full-time individuals who work very hard at facilitating the programs. This is only possible because of Jesus and our donors, who value the people we serve with their ongoing donations.

ABSOLUTE Partners

In John 10:10, Jesus tells us “The thief’s (Satan) purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” Each day, a host of individuals seek this full life opportunity and we are blessed to be able to help them find a new life.  With the Lord’s aid, we desire to stave off the thief and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Will you commit to praying that lives will be changed through ABSOLUTE Ministries? Will you also consider partnering with us financially to meet this need? For a few dollars a month, you can help provide a home that will secure life-change in men and women whom Jesus has saved from addiction, just like he saved me. You can change lives forever by giving here.

JESUS is ABSOLUTE,

Cameron J Birk, MALM, CPC
Founder, President/CEO
cell: 425-306-8280