A Changed Life

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“I had to do it myself…but Open Door Mission showed me how you can meet your goals.”

Since we last visited with Sandra after graduating from the New Life Recovery Program in 2004, she has progressed significantly.

Sandra had a rough life. Neglected as a child, she had to work at age 12 to earn money for food. She dropped out of school in ninth grade, fought with alcohol & drug abuse and suffered failed relationships, prison and homelessness. That all changed—when she joined the New Life Recovery Program at Open Door Mission.

Since graduation, Sandra now has a good job, a home of her own and a life she never dreamed possible. Still today, she reviews her old class notes because she can always use a reminder that “I can still do this.” She had never felt good about herself before, but today she proudly says “I can do it and I am somebody!”

While Sandra admits she has regrets about how her children were raised, she is making up for it now in a big way. She has been given the responsibility of raising her grand-niece and in December, was able to host all of her children and grandchildren in her own home for Christmas. “It took a while,” she says, “for her children to trust that she had really changed.” But now her kids say, “You did it!” She has cookouts in her yard and is looking forward to sleepovers with her 10 grandchildren.

Sandra says, “The Mission is still helping my family today. I can still come to the Timberlake Outreach Center for food, clothing and household items when I’m in need.” The impact your donations had on one life are still impacting dozens more today.

Submitted by Mike Dodd
Open Door Mission Volunteer