With three children to care for and one more on the way, Tina had a lot to worry about. Her problems only got worse when her children’s father was shot. Tina quit her job, gathered up her family’s things, and moved in with her aunt nearby.
It wasn’t too long before the living situation became strained. There just wasn’t enough space for the growing family. Tina was forced to pack her family up once again and move from shelter to shelter. As it turned out, the last shelter Tina walked into was Joy House.
Some difficult past experiences made Tina nervous to be at another shelter. But to her surprise, Joy House was warm, clean and safe. “Joy House provided for every aspect of my family’s needs. We have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and clothes on our backs.”
She’s calling on Christ to direct her life
As a friend of the Mission, you know that Joy House does more than provide for the basic needs of families in crisis. Tina enrolled in the Fresh Start program, and now she has access to parenting and life skills classes, as well as courses that will enable her to get a job after leaving the Mission. “Fresh Start has been wonderful,” Tina says. “I have learned how to better relate to others and how to develop friendships. It also taught me how to develop my relationship with Christ. I call on Him to let Him direct my life.”
Her children are learning and growing in the Word!
That relationship with Christ is changing Tina’s future...and her family’s as well. “My children have grown,” Tina says. “They are more patient with me and with each other. They are learning church songs and to pray at night and before every meal.”
When Tina leaves the Mission, she won’t be going out into the world unprepared. She’s looking for a steady job that will help provide for her family, and a church to keep her spiritually grounded.
Supporters like you keep the doors of Joy House open for women like Tina. “No words could say enough to thank you,” Tina wants you to know. “Without you we would still be where we started--I would not be able to provide for myself or my children without your help.”
