Through many trials and tribulations, Yolanda Hatch has learned to rest in God and His plan for her.
Like Job from the Bible, Yolanda Hatch has experienced her share of misfortunes. But the story of Job and his perseverance have inspired her. “God took everything away from Job,” she said, “but He gave it all back double.” Yolanda is now experiencing double blessings in her life, thanks to the goodness of God and her time at the Mission.
Yolanda left a career in Atlanta as a caretaker for elderly people to start a new life in Orlando. Unfortunately, she bought a car that ultimately needed extensive repairs, which rendered her unable to pay rent, and she was evicted. She moved into a tiny apartment that had no heat or air conditioning and worked as a security guard.
She then suffered back injuries in a car accident, was unable to work, and was confined to a wheelchair. As she waited to receive disability, her money ran out, and she found herself without shelter. She then lived in her car until it was repossessed. She ended up living on the streets and sleeping under a bridge, ultimately moving into a friend’s storage unit. Ladies from a women’s conference in Orlando took her to the Mission to volunteer with them in the kitchen and asked if there was any space for Yolanda to stay. By God’s providence, there was one room available, so in early 2024 she moved into the Mission.
At first Yolanda was angry with God. She had tried to live her life serving Him, but He had taken everything away. She would lie in her bed at night and sob. “Why me, Lord?” A friend at church told her, “God is about to heal your broken heart,” and slowly, that’s exactly what happened. With help and encouragement from her case managers, Jeannine Barber and Bernesdean Graham, she began to realize, “God takes you through things for a reason. Be patient and wait.”
God miraculously healed her back, and she can walk again and feels pain only intermittently.
Yolanda served her discipleship time in the Mission’s kitchen and realized she loved to cook. She enrolled in Second Harvest’s culinary program, and when she graduated in May 2025, she had two job offers. She chose a restaurant at Universal’s City Walk, where she has already had one promotion, with another expected soon.
While at the Mission, Yolanda attended the Victorious Life Class and classes on parenting and personal finance. She has learned to budget and save her money and has just put down a deposit on a new apartment. She gives all the credit to God. “He took me through it, and He’s not going to leave me,” she said. “I feel a calling of God on my life, tugging at me. I’m focusing on God.”
To all the donors she says, “God bless you. God sees your work and knows when you take care of God’s house and His business. You changed my life with your gifts.”
