News
Rebuilding a Life

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Born and raised in Texarkana, AR, Bobbie was the youngest of four children. Unlike many of the men and women who come here for help, her troubles with drugs and alcohol didn’t begin until “later on in life.”

Bobbie’s been separated from her family for some time, but it was her drug use that caused her recent homelessness. “I was living with a friend, but got put out of the home.”

When asked if it was because of drug use, Bobbie responds, “Everything was because of the drug use.”

“I was always able to stay with friends until the drinking and the crack cocaine started,” says Bobbie. But once her drug use escalated, she was “out on the street.” Bobbie called a niece who found her a place at Oak Haven.

For men and women like Bobbie who are deep into addiction, a 28-day program is just the start of the road back to building a new life. The real road to hope, healing and salvation starts with programs like our nine month, Christ-centered recovery classes.

Part of the problem, as Bobbie sees it now, is that she “walked away from God.” “God didn’t walk away from me,” she says, “I turned my back on Him. But now I know God is back in my life and I’m doing so much better.”

Counseling encourages individuals to heal old, sometimes painful, wounds that have led to destructive behavior, and make changes that lead to a better future. A case manager also works with each guest to help them take advantage of all the educational and spiritual opportunities offered by the Mission.

While she was in the program, Bobbie was able to reconnect with and begin rebuilding a relationship with her 15-year-old daughter. “She understands that I have to do this – it’s about me getting myself better so I can be a better parent to her.”

In addition to providing food, shelter, clothing and recovery classes, the Mission also provides medical and dental care for guests. And education.

Once Bobbie finished her recovery program courses, she began working on taking the classes she needs to get her high school diploma!

The day Bobbie shared her story with us, she was very excited. She was taking the next step in rebuilding her life: Going to Mansfield to visit her daughter and niece for the weekend.

To read the rest of this issue of Good News, click here.

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