Hope Ministries Opened My Heart

Only now does 34-year-old Tracy comprehend the full magnitude of the gift she received at Hope Ministries. When she first came to our Hope Family Center in July 2009, she was seeking nothing more than a place that would help her overcome her drug addiction.

But as she dared to untie the bow and slowly tear away the wrapping—as she opened her heart to our Christ-centered care—she discovered a new life waiting inside our doors.

Tracy started drinking at age 14, when her mom turned her attention from Tracy to her new boyfriend. “It had been just she and I for so long,” Tracy says, the hurt still evident after all these years. Eventually she ran away and her life became a nightmare. She had no permanent home and her alcohol abuse escalated to heroin and meth. She supported her habit by selling drugs herself.

Over the years she had four children who were taken from her because she couldn’t care for them. She tried a secular rehabilitation program, but returned to her destructive and addictive behaviors.

“I had nowhere to turn, and anybody who wanted anything to do with me only wanted drugs. I never had anyone to talk to who really cared. When I moved to Hope Family Center, all of that changed. I was adopted into the family of God and got a bunch of new sisters in Christ!” She also developed a deep personal relationship with Jesus. “I was missing that relationship with the Lord,” Tracy knows now.

Through our Bible-based recovery program and the guidance of our compassionate staff and counselors, Tracy was victorious in her battle against substance abuse. She regained custody of her 4-year-old son, who joined her here at Hope Family Center last December in time for Christmas. “My greatest gifts were having my son back in my life and having God in my life.”

Tracy and her son are now in our Hope Aftercare Program and have moved into an apartment of their own. “The staff blessed my apartment and brought food and housewarming gifts and cleaning supplies.” She attends our Aftercare classes here at Hope Ministries, and we check in with her on a regular basis. “Anytime I need somebody to talk to, they are there for me.” Tracy is going to school and will soon complete her training in hotel management. Then we can assist her as she writes her résumé, practices for interviews and finds a job.

Tracy knows these gifts are only possible because you first gave financially to Hope Ministries, and she’s so grateful for your love. Your prayers are gifts as well, and she asks for yours as she begins her new life journey that she hopes will lead to restored relationships with her three older children.