“I had no place to go… my addiction took over…”

I’ve endured a lot of hardships in my life… but the worst of all I’ve endured is a loss of hope.

Before coming to the Rescue Mission, I was sleeping in the only sort of safe place I knew: the sidewalk outside of a facility serving seniors. I had no place to go… my addiction absolutely took over… and I wasn’t getting the help I needed.

It was hard for me to trust other people, or express my fears in healthy ways. I was so traumatized as a kid, and in constant fear of my dad. He was an alcoholic who got violent when drinking. I believed he hated me… and I had extremely bad self-esteem.

As an adult, I was diagnosed with PTSD and struggled with addiction, but today I can say this chain has been broken. Despite the guilt and shame that weighed upon me, I knew somehow that the Rescue Mission was what I needed.

“God blessed my efforts, and the Rescue Mission gave me a chance.”

I can only imagine what I must have looked like when I came to the Rescue Mission’s doors… I hadn’t showered in weeks and had nothing but the clothes on my back. The Rescue Mission welcomed me with an open heart, and the staff here helped me set goals to accomplish.

Today, I have an apartment of my own, and above all else, I’m continuing the practices I’ve learned at the Rescue Mission. I’m keeping God first in everything, and I’m full of gratitude for the blessings that have been showered on me.

Thank you to every one of you for giving me the opportunity and privilege of being at the Rescue Mission. You are responsible for saving my life and replenishing my hope!

To read this issue of Mission in Motion, click to download.