The Best Christmas Ever
... An Even Better One to Come!

Rosario came to the United States to find the opportunities everyone dreams of. But life didn't turn out the way she'd hoped.

Her lack of job skills made it difficult to find work and afford a permanent home. So she moved from place to place, virtually homeless, for several years. During that time she had her children, and the polio she'd battled since childhood took its greatest toll when she lost the use of both legs and was confined to a wheelchair. That's when she decided she had to take responsibility for giving her children a more stable life . . . and came to Hope Ministries.

More than just a shelter, Rosario says, "Hope Ministries is a program where you work on building a life and being a better person, especially in Christ. They help you get on your feet and teach you how to live responsibly when you get a place of your own." Through our H.E.A.R.T. Recovery Program, we provide money-management classes and other life-skills training, and Rosario is learning English as a Second Language at Des Moines Area Community College. Hope Ministries assists with daycare and transportation. And the tireless efforts of Case Manager joAnna Russell were instrumental in securing a new motorized wheelchair for Rosario. "We prayed that wheelchair in," joAnna says. "When it finally got here, we had a huge party!"

"I came here with goals," Rosario explains today with self-confidence. "And Hope Ministries is helping me reach those goals. I've moved around a lot in the past. I want to have my own place where my children and I can live for a long, long time. And I want to be more like Jesus, so when I'm on my own, I can handle issues as He would."

As the holidays approach, Rosario is looking forward to sharing her children's excitement and awe at all the activities Hope Ministries has in store. And she has faith that this Christmas and many Christmases to come will be even better because of the new life she is building with your compassion and support. God bless you.