All her life, Erica felt isolated and empty. \u201cThere was a void in me that I could never fill,\u201d she says. Now I know it was because I didn\u2019t know who God was. I didn\u2019t know how much he loved me. I didn\u2019t know I had a purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
When she was 14, Erica started using drugs to fill the void, a habit that escalated over the years, consuming her life. \u201cMy addiction was more important than anything,\u201d she says. \u201cI gave up all responsibility. I ran away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only one thing could drive Erica to stop using \u2013 her kids. \u201cI have three beautiful children and, when I hit rock bottom, family members said, \u201cWe don\u2019t want the kids around you while you\u2019re this messed up. You need help.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
It was then Erica came to the Mission at Kern County and, through our One Year Christian Discipleship program, has undergone a spiritual transformation. \u201cI have an intimate relationship with God now,\u201d she says.\u201d It\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through our Christian counseling and faith-based addiction recovery, Erica has also experienced emotional healing through sharing her burdens with staff. \u201cI\u2019m not alone anymore,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Though she thought it impossible, Erica\u2019s relationships with her children have also been restored. \u201cI got to see my older son this past year and he forgave me,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Erica graduated from the program, has a job, and now lives in a home with several other women graduates. Eventually Erica plans to go to college. \u201cI want to be a counselor for moms who are struggling with addiction and separated from their kids,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
When she sees her life today and compares it to just a year ago, Erica is thrilled by her transformation thanks to God\u2019s love in her life \u2013 and your support. \u201cWith the Mission\u2019s help, it is possible to overcome your struggles. I love it here. This is my home.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
All her life, Erica felt isolated and empty. \u201cThere was a void in me that I could never fill,\u201d she says. Now I know it was because I didn\u2019t know who God was. I didn\u2019t know how much he loved me. I didn\u2019t know I had a purpose.\u201d When she was 14, Erica started using […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":14923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n