GRM History

Funded initially by South Indiana Conference 2001, Gambling Recovery Ministries (GRM) officially had its beginnings in September 2001. Reverend Janet Jacobs was named Director and with Columbus District Superintendent Dr. Robert Dungy, they put together an Advisory Board to assist in GRM's future ministries.

On October 16, the Board, Dr. Dungy and Rev. Jacobs had their first meeting and officers were named: Chairman: Rev. Ted Hamrick; Vice-Chairman: Rev. Jim Schell; Secretary: Mrs. Peggy Dean; Communications: Mrs. Suzy Deacon. Mr. Halbert Walston was also a member of the Board.

Over a period of several months, the Board and Director formulated a mission statement, goals, and a Consultant Agreement contract (between the Board and Director).

VISION STATEMENT: The vision for Gambling Recovery Ministries (GRM) is that of life-saving Christian outreach to persons directly affected by compulsive gambling through specialized ministries of The United Methodist Church of the South Indiana Conference.

GOALS: GRM will assist local churches in their outreach to victims of compulsive gambling by (1) imparting informed communication and education about the nature of pathological gambling and its impact upon the lives of family members and friends; (2) the Director's researching and acquiring acquaintance with existing outreach programs in order to extend assistance to churches desiring to initiate ministries to victims of gambling; (3) procuring "expert" help from existing ministries for training, motivating and encouraging outreach endeavors by congregations; (4) extending public relations assistance to churches that create and become involved in gambling recovery ministries.

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