A Chance to Change

It's one thing to want to change your life—to know you absolutely must in order to be the mother your children need and a woman who finally respects the person she sees in the mirror. But it's another thing entirely to find the environment, guidance and support to do it—an opportunity Lisa is living out at Northlands Rescue Mission.

Lisa and her three children were living on the West Coast near her parents when her father passed away. Lisa's mother wanted to be closer to family in North Dakota, so the five of them relocated to a small town near Grand Forks and moved in together.

Lisa had battled alcohol abuse on and off for years. And she'd deceived herself into thinking she had kept her habit under control. But the strain of the move took a toll on Lisa and her drinking escalated. She couldn't hold a job, and without work, boredom set in and her alcoholism grew worse. Her addiction began to erode her once-loving relationship with her mother and her special bond with her children.

And it destroyed any hope she had of returning to the caring mother, respectful daughter and independent individual she knew she should be.

We know God is always in charge, although we may not see His plan and purpose clearly at first. Today, it's evident to Lisa that her move to North Dakota—the very thing that escalated her addiction—also brought her to the place where she could finally overcome it.

When she heard about Northlands Rescue Mission and our programs for helping men and women facing challenges like hers to rebuild their lives, she was overjoyed. Then another blessing was revealed: Her mother was in her home and able to care for her children while Lisa came to the Mission to get her life in order.

Finally, at 42, Lisa has a chance to change—at Northlands Rescue Mission.

Lisa has been at the Mission for six months now and believes in addition to the life-skills courses and relapse-prevention guidance she's received, the environment here, alone, has had a tremendous impact on her recovery. "I needed structure," Lisa says. "The Mission has a 'no drugs or alcohol' policy, so I can't stay here and continue drinking, and that has helped me stay sober. They've also helped me realize I have the ability to say, 'I don't have to drink.' That's a whole new way of looking at my addiction, and it's made all the difference in the world."

"They've also given me a job working in the kitchen, helping to prepare close to 250 meals a day. I'm active and involved, and it's also giving me a start on a new career!"

Your gift today will be such a blessing to Lisa and the scores of other men and women who find a chance to change at Northlands Rescue Mission every day. God bless you.