Natoshia doesn’t know exactly when or how it happened. She had struggled with depression and anxiety from the time she was about 12 or 13, but when she asked God for help to be a good parent to her children, her outlook began to change from hopeless to hopeful. She and the kids, ages 10 and 13, came to Raleigh Rescue Mission in January after she heard about the New Life Program. Confident that God was directing her to find a better path for herself and her family, she swallowed her fears and set out to make life at the Mission the best situation possible. With faith, determination, and love from a caring staff and support network, the journey is underway.
Natoshia jumped right into vocational training, then graduated from Jobs for Life, received her CNA certification and landed a job at Elmcroft Assisted Living. Currently she is saving up for her own vehicle. The children had a difficult transition in the beginning, but Natoshia credits the Mission staff with being there for her kids. “My son has really gotten into music. He’s using his free time to play guitar and record songs. My 3-year-old has tons of energy and has discovered her joy for painting. Our room is basically an art gallery of her work.”
What’s ahead? “My hopes and dreams for the kids in the short-term is for us to have a peaceful home, no yelling or shouting, just loving and caring. I want them to take from our experience here and know that they can do anything if they put their minds to it. For me, I’d like to study more psychology. And I’d like to become a surgeon.”
“My home right now is the Raleigh Rescue Mission,” reflects Natoshia cheerfully. “This is where the love is. I’m happy right now because I know that God has a plan for me and I’m on a journey. I’m going to get where I’m going and I can be happy in this moment knowing that I’m with my kids and I’m home. This program is worth it. It has been such a blessing to us.”
Special Note: Natoshia and her children were featured in a special video presentation at the Mission’s Evening of Hope 60th Anniversary Gala, along with two other amazing clients. Click here to view the video in full and watch Natoshia share how her temporary home at the Mission is transforming life for her beautiful family.
