Sheila’s life changed when she was stabbed eight times by a stranger on a bus. As she struggled to heal from her injuries and emotional trauma, she fell into depression. “I just stopped going into work one day,” she says. “I had enough money saved up to pay my rent and then once the money was gone, I just got up and left everything that I had.”
She was living on the streets and when it started raining, she knew she needed help. “I’m not used to this,” she thought. “I’ll go to the Bay Area Rescue Mission.”
When she arrived, she felt happy and relieved. “I could take a shower, get clean clothes and have a meal,” she says.
Since joining our program, Sheila has reconnected with God, learned to set boundaries, manage her anger and have more compassion for people. “You never know what their situation is,” she says. “They might look a certain way, but you never know what’s going on inside.” That greater understanding for people has also helped her gain confidence and open up to others.
“The Rescue Mission’s faith-based program has helped my healing process a lot.”
Today, Sheila works in the office of our Center for Women & Children. She is grateful for this stable employment and the job skills training she has gained to set her up for future success. “A lot of times, people don’t have the job experience or skills to work outside of here. The Rescue Mission helps you get your high school diploma and further your education in the after-care program.”
Thank you for loving neighbors like Sheila “as you’ve loved yourself.” Your kindness has reminded her that she is not alone and that a better life is possible! “I’m thankful to the Rescue Mission for bringing me closer to God and helping me feel free to be myself.”
To read this issue of Bay Area Hope, click here.
Help other people like Sheila…
Sheila’s story of hope and healing is inspiring. Our long-term recovery programs exist to help other men and women find healing. Will you help provide this help to others?