Sara and her 6-week-old son, Brayden, are spending time at Grandma’s house today. The two visit Sara’s mother often - something Sara couldn’t do a year ago. But then, a lot has changed since she and her husband, Brent, sought the help of Open Door Mission’s New Life Recovery programs in November 2005.

“We came here because we were using drugs,” Sara says flatly. “Brent was in jail and couldn’t leave until he found a rehab. I was living in a storage unit. Brent’s mother had our 3-year-old daughter, Jasmine. Since I wasn’t allowed to go there, I hadn’t seen Jasmine in six months. We had no money, so when we learned Open Door Mission was Bible-based and there were no fees, well, we couldn’t beat the price!”

Sara and Brent jumped headlong into the New Life Recovery programs , and the staff helped both tackle serious legal problems. “I was up on felony charges for forgeries in four counties and I was sure I was going to jail,” Sara recalls. “Miss Maggie (ODM’s emergency services director) said, ‘Let’s call the courts,’ but I said, ‘That won’t work.’ I was so stubborn! By the grace of God, they dropped all the charges to misdemeanors.”

With the help of ODM case managers, Brent’s anticipated prison time was reduced to five years probation. Both could continue to pursue their goals of growing spiritually, learning to stay clean and working toward full-time employment!

Both Sara and Brent’s families were very supportive of the couple’s recovery efforts and soon they were able to visit Jasmine regularly. “We’re moving out of Open Door Mission in about six months,” Sara estimates, “and Jasmine will be with us then.”

As Brent and Sara look forward to Christmas, they are grateful for the security and hope they’ve found at ODM and they are excited about the future. “Brent is working full-time!” Sara says. “Once we leave, I’ll need to get a job, too. Babies cost a lot!”

“Open Door Mission is a place of security and hope,” she continues. “I’ve learned God is always there to listen and that without Him we can’t do anything … we just don’t have the power.”

Sara and her family wish to say thanks to all who made it possible for them to stay and grow at ODM.

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