By the time a client is accepted as a GRACE Transitional Housing Program participant, the woman or family is usually at their most vulnerable. Often the unseen emotional wounds are raw due to prolonged domestic abuse, sudden career loss or other wearisome circumstances that brought them to our doors.
Our most recent client is working to overcome traumas she experienced that have affected her in ways she could have never expected. After being faced with a devastating event, she was required to vacate her home. Faced without options, Jennifer began working and living out of her car, making money as a transportation app driver. She kept her few possessions bundled and bungeed in her trunk, and pulled out her sleeping bag when it was bedtime. Jennifer was able to get by in this exhausting manner until her car was totaled, leaving her literally with nothing.
After her wreck, Jennifer ended up at a night shelter. She never imagined finding herself in such a seemingly hopeless and debilitated position. She is an ambitious woman who earned her associate degree, and always had and used her blessings to be successful. “She is a ball of energy,” describes GRACE Transitional Housing Case Worker, Brittany Griggs.
Entering a safe place at GRACE and receiving the abundance of God’s love after her trials have made a profound impact that will likely change the trajectory of Jennifer’s life. She is certainly excited and ready to go full speed ahead in getting back on track and being a successful young lady. She is ready for guidance and to regain her independence.
We celebrated Jennifer’s acceptance into our Program and new home this past Tuesday, May 14th. Our Transitional Housing Home Blessings are always heartwarming events, and this occasion proved particularly memorable. Less than fifteen minutes into the gathering, Jennifer asked, “is this my home,” unaware that she was standing in her own apartment with her very own new furniture and possessions and not just a model apartment.
It was a stirring and emotionally charged moment as GRACE CEO, Shonda Schaefer, explained that the home and its contents were specifically created for Jennifer and that it is her very own sanctuary of safety, healing, and growth. A White’s Chapel United Methodist Church congregant then handed Jennifer a quilt that she had handcrafted as a welcoming gift, and Jennifer broke down in overwhelmed gratitude, sharing candidly with attendees details of her crushing story.
Jennifer is in her 30’s and enjoys martial arts, meditation, and exercising. She is hoping to meet her goals of working in the field of human services and one day becoming an advocate for victims of hardships similar to hers. Please remember Jennifer in your prayers as she sets out in her new direction. Your prayers and support give hope to women and men who are facing particular difficulties that only a safe place and prayer can remedy. We are so very grateful to say welcome home, Jennifer!
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:44-47
