See how your compassion gave Naomi a fresh start…

“I am a better person for my family.”

Much of Naomi’s life was marked by pain and the struggle to survive. She was abused from the age of three until she ran away from home. The years of trauma led to a cycle of addiction, incarceration and homelessness. “Jail was my second home,” Naomi shares.  

As years went by and she became a mother, addiction kept her from being present for the people she loved most. Her lowest moment came while living in an alley, just around the corner from her mom’s house – close enough to see her children, but unable to care for them. “That was rock bottom,” Naomi says. “I couldn’t be there for my kids.” 

Through a series of moments Naomi describes as divine intervention, she and her children were welcomed into Lydia House at the Mission. “They told us it was full – and then they got us in,” she says. “That was God at work.” 

From the beginning, Naomi was grateful for the supportive community. “I can’t say anything bad about this place,” she shares. “The staff cares about me. They don’t give up on me.” 

After Naomi completed the 90-day program, she committed to the New Life Program, where her life continued to be transformed. “Before I came here, I was broken,” she says. “Now I’m calmer, happier and learning how to be a better mom.” 

“I see everything differently now. I’m learning something new every day.” 

Naomi also found greater purpose for her life, as she began sharing advice and encouragement with other women at the Mission. Her faith also grew alongside her healing. “God was always with me,” she reflects. “But now I’m walking with Him.” 

Naomi recently graduated from the program and now works at the Mission as our House Manager at Lydia House. 

Because of you, neighbors like Naomi know that God loves them and they are worthy of a new beginning. Thank you for opening the door to hope and healing this summer! “A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know God is with me. I think He has me here for a reason.” 

To read the rest of this issue of Rescue Review, click here.