|
|
|
Women Say Salvation Army Saved Their Lives
The Renewal Place Program Helps Drug Addicted And Homeless Women
FAST FACTS:
- Salvation Army Program Enhancing LIves
- Help For Women Who Are Drug Addicts And Homeless
- Many Women Credit The Program For Saving Their LIves
(Memphis, TN/December 9, 2009) She only wants to be identified as Jennifer, but she does want you to know the story of her former life.
Jennifer said, "I was homeless and I was living on the street and eight months pregnant and I was in an abusive relationship and I was addicted to drugs and alcohol."
Jennifer described herself as a functioning drug addict. "I kept a couple of jobs. Slowly, I lost the jobs then I lost where I lived and lost my car and I was pretty much on the street."
Her breaking point came when she realized the life she didn't want for her daughter.
"I was tired of the abuse and I didn't want my baby born in the environment I was living in."
So, she entered the Salvation Army's Renewal Place Program. It's a two year program for homeless and drug addicted women and their children. She completed the program and even landed a job at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
"They teach you how to have a closer spiritual relationship with God and I believe that's what helped me the most."
The Salvation Army's Renewal Place program also helped a woman we'll call Kathleen. She's also a mother and now a former drug addict.
Kathleen said, "I was on the verge of losing my daughter. I became homeless. I lost the the place I was living in."
She was homeless and hopeless. "I was so angry and so afraid of losing my child and God intervened. He had grace and mercy on my life."
Kathleen says that grace and mercy can in the form of help from the Salvation Army. "I have learned how to be responsible since I've been there and I have built a relationship with God."
Kathleen feels better about herself.. She now does volunteer work at the Memphis Botanic Garden and she credits the Salvation Army for turning her life around.
"The Salvation Army has given me the tools I need and coping skills I need to maintain sobriety."
http://www.wreg.com/wreg-salvation-army-renewal-story,0,7917478.story
© 2009 wreg.com - Memphis, TN. All Rights Reserved. |
|
Alex Coleman
WREG
December 9, 2009
|
