Home for the Holidays: Felicia’s story
A little more than a year ago, after months of house hopping, single mother Felicia and her six children were facing the very real possibility of living on the streets. They had worn out their welcome with family members and they couldn’t find a shelter that could keep the family of seven together.
“IT WAS SCARY NOT KNOWING WHAT WE WERE GOING TO DO. I DIDN’T HAVE ANYONE TO TURN TO. ALL I WANTED WAS A PLACE FOR ME AND MY KIDS.”
The family’s instability began when Felicia ended her 13-year relationship with the children’s father. Up to that point, he was the main provider while Felicia took care of the kids. But when he got laid off from his job, the stress eventually led to the breaking point of their relationship.
Then a friend told Felicia about the Mission and she filled out an application. Within days, she and her five girls and one boy had their own room at O.U.R. Mission Home. One of the first things the family did when they arrived was enjoy a meal together.
“My kids were hungry,” Felicia recalls with a chuckle. “It’s not that we didn’t have food. I always made sure they ate, but they just like to eat a LOT. They really enjoyed that first meal, and I was so relieved that we were going to be OK.”
In addition to enjoying nutritious meals and safe shelter, Felicia’s youngest kids now attend the Mission’s Early Learning Center while she works 16 hours a week as a medical assistant and pursues her high school diploma in the Career Learning Center. She hopes to graduate by the middle of next year.
Felicia also has taken parenting classes and completed the Victorious Life Program, which she says helped renew her faith in Christ.
“I was a Christian before but I got sidetracked. Since coming here my faith has grown so much. I’m going to church and reading God’s Word. I have a real sense of peace knowing God always has my back.”
Felicia’s family arrived at the start of the holiday season last year and she gets tears in her eyes when she thinks about Christmas at the Mission.
“Words can’t explain it. The atmosphere is so special. All of my kids got toys, clothes and shoes – so much more than I could have ever done for them on my own. It’s just a wonderful time here.”
But the greatest gift, Felicia says, is the stability she and her children enjoy 365 days a year. “I’m so thankful for the Mission and everyone here. They were here when we needed them and they’re helping us get back on our feet.”
When Felicia and her six children came to the Mission, she found a safe home for her family where she could renew her faith and get back on her feet. You can help another family find security with your gift today.
