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 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 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 Teen Challenge with a plan to return to school. I have since completed my Bachelor of Arts in Leadership with an emphasis on church and nonprofit administration. My Masters of Arts in Leadership with an emphasis in counseling will be completed in 2024/2025. 

The Need

The shift gave my wife and me a broader perspective, allowing us to spot a trend affecting people from Teen Challenge, other drug/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 which makes relapse difficult, if not impossible, to avoid. For people to succeed in the long run, they must have a supportive, godly home to live in while they begin to implement the skills they are learning. The people they live with must be able to communicate the sometimes difficult truth and encourage them onward simultaneously. This gives them the ability to succeed in the big picture of life.

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. 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 1 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 with the capacity to serve 6-8 more women. We are currently searching for a women's facility in Coeur d'Alene as well. All of 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 year, a host of members emerge from recovery programs having found this very fullness. With the Lord’s aid, our desire is to stave off the thief and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Will you commit to pray 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 whom Jesus has saved from addiction, just like he saved me. You can change lives forever by giving here.

JESUS is ABSOLUTE,

Cameron Birk
Founder, President & CEO