Mission at Kern County

Whitney's Story

recovery programs, addiction recovery program

 “Now I know God loves me.” 

Whitney grew up in a world of addiction and neglect. “My mom was drunk all the time so, when I was a teenager, I would run away from home and drink to numb my anger and sadness.”

For 10 years, alcohol controlled Whitney’s life. She never held a job. Never put down roots. And, eventually, wound up homeless, living on the streets. “I was lost and broken.”

Then she had a child, and it was her love for her son that drove her to reach out to The Mission for help. “He was my first priority. I needed to take care of him and, to do that, I needed to take care of myself.”

They came to our Recovery Home for Women & Children, where Whitney entered the Christian Life Training Discipleship Program. Through Bible studies and chapel services, Whitney discovered the unconditional love of God. “Before, I thought I had to be perfect. But now I know God loves me just as I am, with all my imperfections. That love was all I needed.”

Through Christian counseling and life skills classes, Whitney has learned to be a better mother, developed healthy coping skills and found emotional healing for the wounds she’s carried all her life. “They gave me the tools to help mend what was broken.”

“The Mission helped heal my hurt and pain.”

Now a graduate of the program, Whitney has a job and she and her son are staying here while she saves money for a home of their own. “The Mission has given me hope and a future I never had.”

It’s going to be a Christmas filled with joy for Whitney and her son – and she is so grateful to you for this wonderful gift of a new life. “Before I came to The Mission, I was broken. But now I have confidence, I believe in myself and I serve a God who makes the impossible possible. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Help people like Whitney today!