I have lived my hell right here on earth,” Carolyn says. The hell of which Carolyn speaks began as a child, when she was abused physically, mentally, and sexually. It continued later in life when, as a single mom, she lost two children to a horrific car accident. Perhaps it’s no wonder that drug addiction became her escape.
Carolyn’s addiction quickly overtook her and led to numerous overdoses, including a recent one that nearly took her life. Doctors had to shock Carolyn’s heart six times to bring her back from the brink of death. When she eventually recovered, the hospital sent her to Faith Mission of Michiana.
Faith Mission of Michiana is the only emergency facility in Elkhart County where shelter, meals, clothing and life skill programs are provided all in one place. Through the generous support of partners like you, our loving staff welcomed Carolyn without judgement and began helping her work through her pain to reclaim her life. And she’s making amazing progress.
“When I first landed here and they said it was Christian-based I was like, ‘this isn’t for me,’” Carolyn says. “But eight months later, I have a whole new life with the Lord and I love it!”
As part of Carolyn’s recovery, she is helping lead our Low Barrier program, which provides nightly shelter and a hot breakfast for homeless neighbors. And her participation is doing wonders for her confidence and self- esteem. “Over the past few months, I’ve gotten nine people beds here,” she says. “Seven of them have gotten jobs and have gotten their own place.”
Thank you for helping Carolyn find new hope and a new life!