A Day in My Life

Pamela is a soft-spoken, 45-year-old gentlewoman who is determined to prevail.  “I don’t give up, I keep pressing forward, and I pray,” she says firmly.

After moving to Zebulon from New York in 2002, Pamela had a job, a car and lived in an apartment with her college-age son.  In 2005, she gained custody of her newborn granddaughter (her daughter’s child), then soon after she lost her job.  “I lived on savings, my income tax refund and unemployment,” she explains.  Pamela found other jobs, but she couldn’t take them because of child care and car problems.  “I was in dire straits,” she recalls.

Pamela and her granddaughter came to Raleigh Rescue Mission in June 2006 after appealing to a social worker for help.  Five months later, her daughter decided to take back her baby.

“She turned 2 in December,” Pamela says quietly,  “I was the only mother that baby knew and I’m afraid for her.  I need to know more about a grandparent’s rights.”

Despite her heartbreak, Pamela knew she needed computer skills if she wanted to find a really good job.  She signed up for our Today’s Office Program last fall, but was hospitalized right before the 13-week course began.  “I’m not a quitter,” she says.  “I decided to stay at the Mission until the course started again.”

From September to January, Pamela took advantage of other aspects of the Life Plan Program.  With no need for addiction recovery, she focused on strengthening her walk with the Lord.  “I got an audio version of The Power of Praying Women, and I listen to it over and over,” she says.

Pamela has attended a Christian women’s empowerment retreat with other residents and is a regular at Bible study, support group, life-skills classes and Sunday services.  Her advocate and mentor, Roenitia, helps keep her accountable as she strives to meet her goals.  “I’m improving my life for myself and for others,” she explains.

Pamela began Today’s Office Program in mid-January and will complete the course in April.  She plans to find a good job and save enough money to move into her own place by June.  “But when I had nowhere to go but the street, Raleigh Rescue Mission helped me with a place to stay and helped me enhance my relationship with God.”