Venus Austin Shares Her Angel Tree Story

Venus Austin is an inspiration to many women in the Memphis community. In fact, some people would go as far to say that she helped save their lives. Venus is not a typical role model, but she is one of The Salvation Army's many success stories.

Venus was an alcoholic and drug addict. A little more than three years ago, she and her son, Austin, hit rock bottom. With no one else to turn to, she found her way to The Salvation Army Renewal Place, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for mothers and their children. After successfully completing the intensive two and a half year program, Venus now lives an independent, sober and healthy lifestyle. She has become an excellent mother and professional hair stylist.

The journey was difficult, and Venus had a hard time trying to give her son all that he deserved. While she was in the program, Venus enrolled Austin into the Angel Tree program. It was her hope that someone could help give him the Christmas he had always dreamt about, even though she couldn't provide it herself. Her prayers were answered. A generous stranger did help provide a wonderful Christmas for Austin, and the gesture helped strengthen Venus's will to succeed.

Venus is still determined to help as many people as she can with her story. She has become an inspiration to many other women facing similar struggles and is living proof that with a strong conviction and faith in God, anything is possible.

Listen to Venus's interview with the late Craig Robbins about The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.

WREC 600 AM
November 21, 2008