Loving Others On Purpose (LOOP) sows seeds of healing and hope, restoring the lives of people struggling with addiction. This Elyria, Ohio nonprofit is a family operation, led by Brian Wade and his son, Brian Jr. The elder Brian stepped into this full-time calling without any funding streams, founding a small rescue home and street ministry in 1999. This initiative transformed the lives of over 60 individuals engaged in self-destructive and criminal behaviors, including drug abuse and prostitution. Brian’s ministry has expanded under the leadership of his son, Brian Jr., who is now the Executive Director of six recovery homes.
In 2017, Brian Jr. relaunched his father’s ministry, officially expanding to six recovery homes: The Alpha House (men’s recovery) and The Georgia House (women’s recovery). These safe havens seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus, modeling functional living with stable families, peaceful and secure homes, and a strong work ethic. Brian Jr. expressed, “We address the addiction epidemic by taking in addicts at the emergency level and supporting them through reentry into society.”
In addition to receiving drug and alcohol counseling from the Genesis Center (established in 2019 by Brian Wade), LOOP provides biblically-based relationship, parenting, and financial classes, vocational training, an on-site clinical program offering certifications in counseling, including as case managers and peer supporters. The program also includes technology training, a welding program, a farming initiative, and a discipleship school. Upon completing these programs, many residents enter the workforce, earning between $55,000 to $60,000. Remarkably, 95% of the 22 staff members operating the recovery homes are alumni hired from within the program.
Thanks to the Woodson Center, the initiative is expanding to serve the veteran population. “The VA Hospital is overwhelmed with veterans suffering from PTSD and addiction,” said Brian Wade, Jr. “We will be using the funds donated to us by the Woodson Center to continue to expand our organization across the 88 counties of Ohio and have an even greater impact.”