You’re giving moms like Angelina hope amid their struggles.
This precious mom to six beautiful children never imagined she would be staying at a shelter with her children by her side. Before things fell apart, they were peacefully living their lives in the small town of Dyersburg. Life was good—until it wasn’t.
“My husband and I had become estranged, and unbeknownst to me, he had stopped paying our rent,” shared Angelina. “When the landlord came knocking on the door, telling us we were being evicted, I had no idea what to do. I packed up what I could, and we headed to my grandmother’s house. We stayed there a few days until heading to Nashville to be near my mom.”
WHERE DO WE GO?
It’s not easy for someone to take in seven people, so staying with her mom wasn’t a long-term solution. That’s when Angelina started looking at other options. Her search led her to Nashville Rescue Mission.
“That first night, I was scared,” shared Angelina. “I was feeling every kind of emotion, dealing with all that had just happened to us. But Holly Cowherd (Children’s Case Manager) and the other staff at the Mission treated us with such love and kindness. We truly felt welcomed. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for us.”
“I had never stayed in a shelter before,” said Angelina. “It’s not been easy. But God is really making a way for my kids and me. It’s like ‘wow,’ I never could have imagined all the ways He has blessed us. We’re grateful for where we are.”
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
They arrived at the Mission a few days before Christmas. Angelina was so depressed. She couldn’t afford to buy gifts for her children. But thanks to Champions of Change and their ‘Hotel for the Holidays’ program which allows families experiencing homelessness to spend Christmas in a hotel and not in a shelter, she and her family were in for a big surprise.
“I remember the day the big charter bus pulled up,” recalled Angelina. “I’d heard they were picking up the moms and kids and taking them to a fancy hotel for Christmas. We had just arrived, so I wasn’t expecting to be included. Imagine my surprise when they told us to grab our overnight bag because we would be staying at the Opryland Hotel for three nights. I was in shock! It was beautiful and so amazing. I’m so thankful the Mission made that possible for us.”
YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE
Imagine the challenges of being homeless, being a mother with six children … during a global pandemic. This has not been an easy road for Angelina. Because of you, Angelina and her family were received with open arms at the Mission. With your support, this family has access to programs and services which have made life more bearable during a difficult time. Because you care, Angelina and her children have overcome many challenges and they are ready to face whatever comes next.
“I tell my kids all the time, it’s not about where you start or how many times you fall,” said Angelina. “It’s about how you get up. We are able to stay in one room, together, where we hold our own little prayer services. More than anything, this experience has brought us closer. My children have learned resilience.”
NO SUMMER VACATION
This summer may not look like a typical summer for Angelina and her kids. There won’t be a trip to the beach, or a summer vacation like many other families will have. But she is focused on saving money and planning for their future. Because of you and your support, she can do that while safely staying at the Mission.
“While we might not be taking a family vacation, at least we’ll be together,” said Angelina. “I’m looking forward to picnics in the park and watching my kids play. Regardless of where we are, we are still so very blessed. We know staying in a shelter is only temporary.”
“I’ve told my children I know this isn’t easy. But there is always going to be someone out there who has it worse than we do. Even though things may be tough, we can still praise God for His goodness because right now, we are safe. We have food to eat. We have a place to lay our heads at night. Through it all, God is teaching us to appreciate what we have because we know to whom much is given, much is required.”
