Jessica
“I remember being so strung out that I had to sleep on my grandmother’s porch because no one would let me in. I was homeless, I had no possessions, no job and no hope.” For more than 15 years, Jessica had been an addict, lost custody of her two children, and found herself in prison. “My addiction had gotten out of control. I thought I would always be a drug user and never have a normal life again. I felt worthless. When I got out of prison I wanted things to be different. However, having little family support and no friends outside the drug world, I returned to my old lifestyle and continued making bad choices.” During this time, Jessica had a life-changing experience. She found out she was expecting another child and immediately knew this would be her chance at a fresh start. She got connected with a rehabilitation center and began treatment. While in rehab, she was able to get clean, find a support system and give birth to a healthy baby boy. “My son has been a lifesaver. He was sent to help redirect my life and reveal God’s plan.”
After a year in rehab, Jessica was drug-free, but she and her son were still homeless with no way to meet their own basic needs. That’s when she heard about Children’s Hope, a Christ-centered assistance program of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. Children’s Hope helps single mothers like Jessica with limited or no resources develop a solid foundation for themselves and their children. “My son and I moved on campus and it was the most encouraging place, with the nicest people I had ever been around.” Children’s Hope provides Jessica and her son a safe, stable and nurturing place to live while staff counselors and coaches equip Jessica with important life skills. For the past 10 months, she has been successfully working on parenting skills, money management, her spiritual walk, and has even gone back to school. “I’ve been working at a vocational school in the Legal Assistant program. I will be graduating in May with honors. I am the president of our student organization, and I love competing and public speaking through the Business Professionals of America program; all things I never thought would happen.”
As part of the Children’s Hope program, Jessica and her son have been able to develop relationships and find a church home. “I love the people here! I now have great friends and I’ve gained relationships with some of my family again. I have self-esteem. I have a church. I have a job. My advisors are so encouraging and great at helping keep me on track. They just want to see me succeed! A few months ago, I got to tithe for the first time in my life and it was a great feeling! My son gets to go to church with me and he is building relationships with people who love him so much and teach him about God!”
For the first time in a long time, Jessica has been able to set family goals. She also completed her supervised probation which allows her to seek out visitation with her older children.
“One thing I’ve learned about the Lord is He has a plan. Everything we go through is in His hands. I would love to have a relationship with my older kids soon, but for now I am just trusting God. I am so grateful for this place and all that is happening in my life.”
Jessica plans to graduate in May, get a job in her field, pay off her debt, and even buy a house one day. She also wants to use her past experiences to help others find Jesus. “Every year that went by, I thought I was worthless. I now know God is using this experience so I can help others. Nothing else compares to what God has done in my life.”
When asked about the Children’s Hope program, Jessica says, “I don’t know where I would be without it. Being here has helped me better myself, walk closer with God, and I have gotten to see that people are good! When you don’t have basic needs, how could you ever be expected to succeed in life? Just having those needs met has changed my life, and I hope one day to change others’ lives also.”
