She Gave for our Country. You Gave Her a New Life!
If Claudine learned anything during her time in the Marine Corps, it was how to deal with tough situations. Those lessons served her well when she lost her job in August 2008.
Claudine immediately began looking for another position, but had no luck in the shrinking job market. She stretched her slim resources as far as they’d go, but by Christmas she and her children had little left. Just weeks later, her bank account was empty and she couldn’t pay the rent.
Being homeless was a challenge Claudine had never expected to face. “I was never one to ask for anything,” she recalls. “I’ve been working since I was 14. If I needed anything, I’d go out and get it.”
Claudine researched various housing options in the area and out of state. She prayed that God would lead her family to a safe place. Then she heard someone on the city bus mention Joy House, our family shelter. Claudine remembered referring a woman to Joy House in one of her previous jobs. “Now I referred myself,” she says.
Closer to God
When Claudine came to Joy House with her children in February 2009, she found much more than a place to stay. Through the New Life program, she found support, encouragement and practical advice for getting back on her feet again.
Claudine remembers her first months at Joy House as a time for growing closer to her children and to God. She learned more about the women in the Bible. She was especially moved by the stories where women were used regardless of their background, like Ruth and Rahab. Some were even, “people that everyone else cast to the side.”
Claudine sees a beautiful lesson in these stories of compassion. “Even though (the women) messed up and were not perfect, God still loved them. I know if I go to God and ask for forgiveness, that He’ll show me the same love.”
Now that she’s in the Fresh Start program, Claudine encourages many women in the New Life program. “I tell them, ‘You should focus on yourself and your kids first. Don’t worry about that guy. You should get your life back on track and focus on God.’”
Your kindness means the most!
Thanks to your generosity, this former Marine is studying at Milwaukee Area Technical College for her Associate’s Degree to be an Administrative Assistant.
Asked if she has any special words for friends of MRM, Claudine smiles and says, “Thank you very much. Everything you do is appreciated...and you do it out of the kindness of your heart. That is what means the most!”
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…” Ezekiel 36:26, NIV
If Claudine learned anything during her time in the Marine Corps, it was how to deal with tough situations. Those lessons served her well when she lost her job in August 2008.
Claudine immediately began looking for another position, but had no luck in the shrinking job market. She stretched her slim resources as far as they’d go, but by Christmas she and her children had little left. Just weeks later, her bank account was empty and she couldn’t pay the rent.
Being homeless was a challenge Claudine had never expected to face. “I was never one to ask for anything,” she recalls. “I’ve been working since I was 14. If I needed anything, I’d go out and get it.”
Claudine researched various housing options in the area and out of state. She prayed that God would lead her family to a safe place. Then she heard someone on the city bus mention Joy House, our family shelter. Claudine remembered referring a woman to Joy House in one of her previous jobs. “Now I referred myself,” she says.
Closer to God
When Claudine came to Joy House with her children in February 2009, she found much more than a place to stay. Through the New Life program, she found support, encouragement and practical advice for getting back on her feet again.
Claudine remembers her first months at Joy House as a time for growing closer to her children and to God. She learned more about the women in the Bible. She was especially moved by the stories where women were used regardless of their background, like Ruth and Rahab. Some were even, “people that everyone else cast to the side.”
Claudine sees a beautiful lesson in these stories of compassion. “Even though (the women) messed up and were not perfect, God still loved them. I know if I go to God and ask for forgiveness, that He’ll show me the same love.”
Now that she’s in the Fresh Start program, Claudine encourages many women in the New Life program. “I tell them, ‘You should focus on yourself and your kids first. Don’t worry about that guy. You should get your life back on track and focus on God.’”
Your kindness means the most!
Thanks to your generosity, this former Marine is studying at Milwaukee Area Technical College for her Associate’s Degree to be an Administrative Assistant.
Asked if she has any special words for friends of MRM, Claudine smiles and says, “Thank you very much. Everything you do is appreciated...and you do it out of the kindness of your heart. That is what means the most!”
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…” Ezekiel 36:26, NIV
