08 Jun “I’m Not Done With You”
A Life She’d Never Wanted
“It’s like my world came crashing down,” Michelle remembers.
As a child, Michelle was raised in Christian home and wanted for nothing. But at 15, everything changed when her parents divorced. “At 17, I started running away, and I got into alcoholism and drugs.” She knew this wasn’t the life she wanted, but things continued to get worse as she ran further and further from the life she had known. “I could feel the rebellion burning inside me.”
Five years ago, Michelle learned she was seriously ill. She focused her energy on vigilantly getting her affairs in order for herself and her children. But this past February, she became homeless for the first time. Still battling health concerns, Michelle was hospitalized for five days while simultaneously going through the eviction process. With no where to go, she asked to speak with a hospital case manager, and the case manager recommended Wheeler Mission. Nervous, Michelle came to Wheeler’s Center for Women & Children in Bloomington. “I had never been homeless,” Michelle says. “I was very anxious about what to expect.”
Comfort & Care
But what she found was so much different. Michelle was met with care, safety, encouragement, and hope. Through the help she’s been given at Wheeler, Michelle sees the Lord has more for her to do yet. “I think I’m here because God said . . . I’m not done with you.” She found an unexpected community with the other guests, where she says “We walk side by side and share our past, our addictions.”
Because of you, Michelle was given help and hope when all hope was seemingly lost. To help more of our guests – just like Michelle – please give today.