My life has not been perfect, and it took a lot for me to realize that. I grew up with a good childhood and went to church. Later on, I got to an age where I thought I could make decisions on my own, but everything started to go downhill from there. My parents had high expectations of me because they knew I could do it, but I did enough just to graduate high school.

Once I graduated and started working, I spent time with a group of people that my parents did not approve of. I then began a life of smoking and drugs. After a while, my father found out what I was doing, and that was the breaking point; I had to move out. So the next morning, I packed my bags and left with nowhere to stay or lay my head. Within the next week, I found a place to stay, but the people there were doing the same things that had gotten me thrown out of my father’s house. I moved to Chicago. It was okay for a while, until I knew where all the drug spots were. On top of that, I started drinking. God allowed me to get to the worst point in my life before things got better. I knew I needed help but I did not know where to start.

I was told about Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, and I went there that night. I went through the one-year Bible program they had, and I was saved November 26, 2005. I graduated from the program and even got a job. Unfortunately, I did not apply all of what I learned while I was in the program at the Chicago rescue mission and started going backwards. After I lost my job, I was back at square one again. I then moved back to North Carolina.

While staying with family, I tried searching for a job but every place I went told me they were not hiring. So after awhile of no income and not being able to contribute to the bills, I had to find a place to stay. On June 26, 2010 I came to the Durham Rescue Mission.

At first, I was unsure of my surroundings or if I was even going to stay. But before I knew it, in September of 2011 I graduated from the Victory Program. In March of 2012 I was put on payroll in the Development Department as a Data Entry Clerk. And on July 23, 2012 I was given the opportunity to join the Apprenticeship Program at the Durham Rescue Mission. I also work locally at Quintiles, a Pharmaceutical company in Durham.

I enjoy working with the staff at the Durham Rescue Mission! I am grateful to work with a group of believers who can help me stay accountable.

God has allowed me to move forward in serving him faithfully and given me a life where I can be a blessing to others, in addition to my family. I learned to take it one day at a time and do what I can for God. I am truly grateful for the Durham Rescue Mission and for Dr. and Mrs. Mills to have the heart to help others like me.