Read Stories 

June 16, 2010

Your gift will provide hope for women like Shannon at Lydia Home. It’s a gift that can give a child back his mother, a husband his wife, and parents their child. Thank you for giving generously.

UGM’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program at Lydia Home focuses specifically on women’s issues in recovery and offers a safe and caring environment in which women can heal and rebuild their lives. In her own words, Shannon shares how Lydia Home changed her life:

Before I came to Lydia Home I was living in a state of despair and grief, feeling hopeless and helpless. Many years of substance abuse ended in an addiction to crack cocaine. The many wrong choices made over the years and the tragic loss of my dearly loved brother left me broken inside and feeling sorry for myself. I did not know how to cope or handle life so I self-medicated to numb my feelings of low self-worth and inadequacy. And so I kept on damaging myself as well as the people I love and care about. Worst of all, this lifestyle kept me from having a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

Upon entering Lydia Home I immediately felt God’s presence and a sense of hope. With a lot of hard work and perseverance I was able to break free from old behaviors and old ways of thinking. I was told that 90% of success is just wanting it; so I went for it! The staff was so loving and supportive; it was an incredible experience being here. I learned so much that will help me to maintain sobriety.

Amazingly, now I have renewed faith in God and love and acceptance for myself and others. I know that I can face challenges one day at a time as long as I follow God’s will and not my own.

Now I look forward to living a new life with my beloved husband and children – this time Christ will be at the center of our family. Thank you all!