Sandra recognizes that she made mistakes--especially a failure of integrity at work that cost her the job and the life she’d built for her two children. As soon as she realized that what she’d done was wrong, she was very sorry. But that didn’t stop her life from going into a downward spiral.

 

            Sandra lost her home because without a job, she couldn’t make the payments. Not long after that, she was sent to a community correction facility for 45 days.

 

            Her children, Seneca and Daja, stayed with their father, but when Sandra was released, he said that he didn’t want the children anymore.

 

            Sandra was homeless--and she had no idea of where to go.

 

            God knew where she could go, though, so last October, He brought Sandra and her children to Joy House, our family shelter that you and other caring friends support.

 

            They went from having nothing...to having all they needed. Sandra says, “Joy House provided my family with a place to lay our heads every night, clothing, three meals per day, and most of all, support.”

 

            Without having to worry about basic but essential things like how to feed her children, Sandra can focus on getting other “basics” back in her life--a job, a home, and most important, faith.

 

            Sandra is part of our Fresh Start program now, and she has learned that her past mistakes don’t have to define her future. That’s not how God works and the Bible studies, chapel services, and other women have helped Sandra realize that.

 

            “I’m learning more about the Bible. I’m excited to hear the Word,” Sandra shares. From the Bible, she’s drawing hope for the future.

 

            The family-like atmosphere at the Mission also gives Sandra and her children hope. It’s the little things that mean a lot to her, like hanging out with the other women or watching her children play. “Those of us in Fresh Start have become a family of sorts. Every Friday night, we get together and have a great time.”

 

            We’re grateful that we can be a family for Sandra, Seneca, and Daja...and that you enable us to take care of their daily needs while Sandra works on creating a Christ-centered life and future for her own family.

 

            Sandra sums it up best: “The Lord has given me peace. He has given me everything. Everything has been a blessing.”