So Hungry She Could Die

Like so many people, Kathleen came to Open Door Mission hungry. But unlike others, Kathleen’s hunger was not caused by homelessness. “I weighed approximately 81 pounds,” she says. “I was a practicing bulimic and anorexic.” As you may know, bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that ultimately result in malnutrition. In a sense, Kathleen was starving herself to death. “At the time, I had some personal issues with abandonment and childhood abuse,” she says. This was back in 1992, when eating disorders were not well understood and treatment protocol was not set in stone. “I had a lot of health problems with low immunity because of everything that I had done to myself,” she recalls. Kathleen’s home in those days was a college dorm. But when her disease progressed to the point that she could not stay in school, she had no place to go. “I was close...to being on the street,” she says. “I had no place to stay.”

Soul food

It was August of 1992 when God led Kathleen to Open Door Mission. Here she found food—for her body and soul. “Every time I came to dinner...there were a variety of things to choose from,” she remembers. “It helped me build my strength back up. And then, once I entered the program, it was like God sent a lot of people to help.” Slowly but surely, Kathleen regained her strength and her health. She completed the program, graduated and moved on with her life—but she continued to be closely connected to the Mission as a speaker and volunteer. Then last March, Kathleen joined our staff as Development Associate, working on the administrative side of our ministry. Today she is still deeply grateful to people like you for helping to change her life, and hopes her story will broaden your vision of the Mission’s work. “Don’t think your donation goes to just providing food and shelter,” she says, emphasizing how the Mission helps people recover from many debilitating circumstances. And with 15 years of recovery behind her, Kathleen is a living example that the programs you support make a lasting impact! “I see myself as complete in Christ...” she says. “I know that He is actively working and continues to actively work in my life.”

More Stories of Hope and Changed Lives