All Because of Faith
Faith House families often recite phrases for strength during times of adversity, including "just take one day at a time," and "things will begin to go right once you start to live right again." Far from being just words, though, these comforting adages were never so helpful as they have been for one mom named Brenda.
Brenda came to Faith House after being homeless "on and off" for years. She had two young children with her (having lost a third son to adoption many years ago), no place to live, and no money. But she was drug free for the first time in years and decided to take a leap of faith in a program called "Faith House."
Right after moving in, Brenda sat down with Dana and Dawn to make a list of her family's needs, their goals, and what she must do each step of the way. Everything seemed so overwhelming, but she decided to try to "take one day at a time" and "live right again." So with the help of the staff, Brenda began to prioritize what she needed to do.
First Brenda found work, in the field of chemical dependency. As a woman in recovery, she knew what it took to walk away from drugs, and she wanted to help others do the same. And along with that came counseling, to deal with her painful past and learn new ways of managing her future.
Next Brenda set goals for her children. Her oldest, Simeon, had many challenges stemming from hardships endured early in life. So Brenda had him assessed for special services, and enrolled in everything that was suggested-tutoring, after school activities, hobbies. And she made goals for her younger son, too, and practiced new ways of parenting so that she would not repeat past mistakes.
Before long, Brenda began to see progress. Her job was very fulfilling, and her income increased. She was happier than she had been in years, and the children were thriving. So Brenda decided to take another leap of faith-to share her words with others.
Brenda told her life story for the first time at an AA meeting, just shy of the 2-year anniversary of the day she walked away from drugs. And on that 2-year anniversary date, she went to church-not her usual church, but one just walking-distance away, because of a flat tire. And while she was at church, her 10-year-old son asked if he could become baptized there, because he felt a sudden urge to be part of that community. And afterward, while in prayer with church leaders, they met another church member who came by to lend her support-and to introduce herself as the adoptive mother of the child Brenda had given up for adoption, a child who was now thriving and an active member of that very church.
"Faith House helped me to be in the right place to receive God's blessing," Brenda said about the amazing events in her life since coming to Faith House.
Of course, Brenda's journey is not over, and she has so much still to do. But she has learned that faith in herself and her goals has made all the difference. And she will share her story with anyone who wants to be reminded about the power of faith.
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United Way's 2008-10 fund distribution application process opens September 1, 2007 and closes on October 31, 2007. Healthy Agency application packets will be available online during that time at www.loraincountyunitedway.org. Healthy Agency applications will be due back at the United Way office on October 31, 2007 by 4:00 PM.
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