Living in Grace

She came to House of Refuge during what she describes as “a rebuilding stage of my life.” At the time, she was three months into trauma counseling. “I had hit rock bottom,” she said. “I was living in codependency, struggling to stop drinking, and feeling pretty helpless, fearful, and depressed. I knew I needed trauma counseling, and I knew I needed a fresh start.” 

When she first came to check out the program, she learned that her pastor from church had been there the day before. “To me, that was an affirmation,” she explained. “I prayed over it, and I knew God was opening the door.” Just three days later, she moved in. 

From the very beginning, she committed to rebuilding her life. “Within 48 hours, I signed up for DoorDash and started working full-time,” she shared. “I needed to rebuild my finances and get out of the situation I was in.” At the same time, she was caring for her daughter, who was struggling in school because of her own trauma. 

Walking into the apartment for the first time, she said, “I was just like, wow, this is so beautiful. It’s big, I have my own room to share with my daughter, and even a playground right outside.

For the first time, I felt like I had my own space—and it was affordable.”

The support system made all the difference. “I had prayed for sobriety, community, and daily help with staying grounded in God’s Word—and that’s exactly what He gave me,” she said. At first, she didn’t want a mentor because her schedule was already packed with trauma counseling, Celebrate Recovery, and church. “But once I did, it was such a blessing.” 

The programs and classes were also meaningful. “Even if I had done some before, like Dave Ramsey, I always learned something new,” she said. “And sometimes it was the little things—like finding overalls for my daughter or white sandals in my size—just what we needed. It was God showing me, ‘I see you.’” 

What impacted her most were the Bible studies. “They helped me shed fear, anxiety, and hopelessness, and instead gain confidence and peace,” she explained. “It was like God used this place alongside my trauma counseling to heal me in ways I never thought possible.” 

Her daughter has also flourished. “Her attitude has completely changed—she’s now top of her class in reading and even received awards. Our relationship is fixed.” 

“Personally, her life has transformed. ‘I did find that better job. Only four months into Door Dashing, I was hired as an optician at a local medical optometrist’s office,’ she said. ‘I’m engaged, I just bought a house, and I’m getting married on Saturday.’ Smiling, she added, ‘I finally feel like I’m truly living again.” 

Looking ahead, she wants to stay employed, grow in her career, and eventually return to school. “This program gave me the foundation I needed. Now I’m ready to move forward.” 

When asked how the program has changed her life, she said: “Before, I was stuck. Now, I am definitely brand new—I’m living in grace. I’ve learned to let go of anxious attachments, to trust God fully, and to walk in the security of His love.” 

And her advice to a new resident?

“Reach out to God no matter what you’re feeling. If you’re already at rock bottom, why not trust Him? Surrender, keep moving forward, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes. Accept the mentorship, accept the help—because it all matters.” 

She concluded simply: “I’m so very thankful for this program. God is using House of Refuge to change lives—mine included.”