I used to go to work, walk to school, go back to work until nine o’clock at night, and then catch a bus home. Eventually I said, ‘Something has to give.’
“Family Rescue Ministry taught me self sufficiency. The program gives you someone who’s there for you. It just gave me a sense of someone caring for me and reminding me that even when I feel at my lowest, there is somebody I can talk to.” — Melody
When Melody became pregnant at 16, she knew her life would never be the same. Soon she was welcoming a second son and shouldering the responsibility of raising two boys all on her own. Desperate for help, she turned to Denver Rescue Mission—and discovered that she wasn’t on her own after all.
“I used to go to work, walk to school, go back to work until nine o’clock at night, and then catch a bus home. Eventually I said, ‘Something has to give,’” Melody says. “That’s when I picked up the phone and called Denver Rescue Mission.”
There, Melody found a community that embraced her and helped lift her up during difficult years. They assisted her in finding a vehicle and shared resources for housing and rent assistance. Because of caring individuals like you, she found the support she needed.
“They helped me get my own apartment and build my self-esteem and my confidence,” Melody says. “I was starting to feel like a young, responsible adult because I was able to get back on my feet and take care of my kids.”
Years later, when her eldest son Raymond was 12 years old, he was in a traumatic car accident, resulting in a brain injury. Melody was faced with caring for a disabled child for the rest of his life. But she wasn’t alone; she once again found the encouragement and help your generosity supplies.
“My son was in a really bad car accident where the little boy next to him died,” Melody says. “He had a lot of physical therapy and had to learn to walk again. He is 31 now but is probably more like an 18-year-old because of his brain injury. It’s been a really rough road.”
Along with Denver Rescue Mission, Melody credits her faith with helping her push forward when challenges seemed overwhelming, and the future felt hopeless.
I feel really grateful to be able to have people like that in my life: people who care.
“If I let go of faith, I’m letting go of my purpose. There have been so many times that I’ve cried until I couldn’t cry any more, just talking to God from within my heart saying, ‘I have to give it to You now,’” Melody says. Regarding the Mission, she adds: “It’s really hard to find people who would last a lifetime of friendship like that, and I feel really grateful to be able to have people like that in my life: people who care.”
When Melody was facing desperation, she turned to the Denver Rescue Mission for help. And, thanks to compassionate donors like you, she survived—and has since thrived.
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