I don’t post photos of the homeless teens I work with because I feel it’s exploitation and an invasion of privacy, but Jessica and Christine, the 2 girls I mentor asked me to share this with you, their story and their gratitude for what your donations have meant to them and how your generosity has affected their lives.
Jessica’s mother abandoned her when she was 4 years old – left her so that she could pursue her own addictions. She was passed around to abusive foster homes and eventually “aged out”, becoming homeless at 18. Christine came from a large family and at the age of 14 her father asked her to leave because he could no longer afford all of the children and as she was the oldest, he felt she’d have the best ability to survive on the streets.
Jessica has been working odd jobs off an on to pay for her cell phone, storage locker, food, water, clothes and occasional nights in a motel for safe rest and showers. Christine has been receiving tutoring and taking tests to finish her GED. She now just has the math portion left before she’s done and will then be applying to culinary schools.
They are so thankful for what our Friday Night Outreaches have meant in their lives and that there really are people who care – who want to know that they’re safe and progressing. It’s because of you that there are so many stories like theirs to tell – stories of victory occurring and battles being won. This isn’t an easy thing to walk out, to overcome poverty and homelessness. Every little bit of love and encouragement counts when they go day to day being told the opposite, that they’re worthless and losers.
Thank you. To everyone who has donated time, money, resources and love. I will never be able to fully express what it has meant to me and to the people my team is able to reach due to your generosity. Today I got to have an early Easter brunch with them and they stressed just how much it has meant to them to have people like you rooting for them.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I love you. THANK YOU. And if you’re able, please continue to donate. You can use our Amazon wish list or you can also send care packages of your own, just message me for an address. THANK YOU!