Rescued from a deep, deep hole

     Like so many people who become dependent on alcohol or drugs, Elaine got involved with a circle of friends that helped shape her choices.  It was the wrong circle.  After her children's father passed away, Elaine's struggles caused her kids to withdraw.  When her use of crack an alcohol went out of control, the kids went to live with their dad's parents.  That's when things spiraled out of control and Elaine found herself in "a deep, deep hole."

     Her daughter joined the Navy and refused to have anything to do with her. Elaine's son was angry.  And the only way she knew to deal with her own pain was to turn to the very things that had torn her family apart.  In August last year, she got sick and wound up in the hospital.  It was serious enough that she feared she might die.  And that was a real wake-up call:

     "The addict in me told me I could do it  myself.  It took for me to get real sick, humble myself to God, and admit to myself and God that I was powerless."

     Through her doctor and a social worker at the hospital, Elaine was referred to Raleigh Rescue Mission.  Like so many, she came in filled with doubts.  She didn't really think it was going to work out for her.  But the loving care from our staff made her feel like she wanted to live again.  At the Mission, Elaine began to walk with the Lord daily.  She also learned some important life skills:

     "They taught me how to take my meds on time.  And they taught me how to manage my money and how to get housing.  By the grace of God, I am in my own home now-a two-bedroom apartment in a nice community."

     More than helping her overcome addiction, Raleigh Rescue Mission gave Elaine the skills she needed to become a productive member of our community.  She's no longer imprisoned in a deep, deep hole.