Joanne's New Life on a Strong Foundation

Healing can take time and does not happen over night. That is what happened for Joanne. While she had a fascinating past, joining the Navy and working on submarines, her heart was not built on a solid foundation.

“I began drinking in high school,” she says. “Later in life, when I found out I was pregnant, I quit for thirteen years and raised my daughters.” Then, when the girls were older, Joanne found herself alone most nights while her husband, also in the Navy, was out to sea for months at a time.

“We lived in a rural area, with no one around and nothing to do, I picked up the bottle again. It was just something to do.”

Joanne’s drinking began just at night and developed to the point where her daughters and husband could no longer support her choices. She tried to quit and even came to Hope Gospel Mission a few years ago. But she left after five months, the urge to drink was too strong.

Then Joanne was faced with a decision. Go to jail for poor choices or go to Hope Gospel Mission. “I came here because I had to,” she admits. “A year long program is a lot to commit to. But I am so glad I did.

Today, Joanne is working hard in her classes and learning how to open up to others. “I am surrounded by caring people and I know they will not judge me for my past but support me to make the right decisions. I am so thankful Hope Gospel Mission is faith based. I need God to build a strong foundation for me to build my new life on.”

This Christmas, Joanne looks forward to reconnecting with her daughters but she knows she still has work to do. “I am still learning about myself and strengthening my faith with the Lord,” she says.

Thanks to your support, Joanne is beginning a new life, this time on a foundation that will help her maintain lasting change. “Thank you,” Joanne says. “Your giving and prayers are making a change in all of our lives!”