Genise’s life before Life Turning Point was surrounded by many tests and trials. Substance abuse, abandonment and rejection from those closest to her, became the narrative of her life. There were days it seemed her housing environment would never get better but that all changed when she came to LTP.
“Before Life Turning Point my children and I lived in a shelter. We were not getting much help there. The facility was not clean and the mold was a health risk. We stayed for over a year and never were chosen for housing. Prior to that, I shared a place with my children's father. I can’t say I lost everything because of him, but his addiction played a part towards us becoming homeless. It took me to lose everything to finally leave him alone. My (deceased) mother struggled with addiction as well, and my father was in and out of prison when I was growing up. My youngest sister and I lived with our grandparents, resulting in us being separated from my other siblings.”
According to American Addiction Centers.org, substance misuse and addiction affects a family on every level—emotional, psychological, financial, and social. A parent’s preoccupation with getting drunk or high can lead to neglect or abuse. The use of alcohol and drugs can lead to financial hardship, poverty, or bankruptcy. Being a single mother with children having support from neighbors and family can be the difference between tragedy and restoration.
“Several years ago while I was admitted in the hospital, one of my neighbors called to let me know my son was outside my home with pull-ups on and my youngest was inside crying. Their father left them at home alone, taking my WIC and SNAP cards to use for his own purpose. My neighbors, the best neighbors ever, came together to make sure my daughter had milk and my sister and her husband took care of my children until I was home from the hospital. I am grateful for them.”
Even during hard times the light that comes from within a mother’s children can be the strength she needs to keep going. Kevin, Genise’s oldest child, indeed brings the light of Christ to her darkest days at six-years-old.
“It is great being here. My mom makes us food on the weekend and it's good! We have a playroom and a big house. We are getting a playground soon. My favorite thing about the playground is the swings and monkey bars! My favorite thing about being here is the childcare. Childcare teaches us songs about Jesus. My favorite song is, ‘Jesus Loves Me’. It is my favorite because I like the singing and how they bring Jesus' name in it every time. I am glad we are in this house because we get to learn the Word and Jesus.”
Our mothers arrive at LTP with individual needs specific for their family. Each mother follows a track program to assist them with accomplishing their goals. Genise is now on the right path to make the necessary improvements to complete the program successfully.
“I am here for a reason. Even with everything I've been through, as well as living with a health diagnosis, I feel very comfortable here - it just feels good being here! Don’t get me wrong, I have my days and I may not be where I want to be, but I am not as depressed as I used to be. My main focus is getting to know God and finding a job to earn enough money so I can take care of us and save. I have not been in church, picked up a Bible, or prayed in years. Also, I have a judgement against me from the place I used to live. It kept me from getting a place last year. For a short time I was in jail, so presently I attend court-ordered counseling that is helping me work on managing my emotions as well. I know what I have to do. There is a blessing with my name on it coming!”
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