“The Lord is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Transformation works step by sometimes slow, challenging step. As FLS mom Kathryn reflects on the last three years, her hard-earned progress is cause for celebration.
In December 2018, a terrible car accident almost took her life, setting in motion events that cost Kathryn what she held most dear: her children were placed in foster care. After years of drug use, and informed she may lose the rights to her children, Kathryn says she was at rock bottom. “I didn’t have my kids. And without my kids, I was nothing.”
After a painful recovery from the accident and from chemical dependency, Kathryn arrived at FLS, and her greatest hope was realized: one by one, her children returned.
Kathryn’s commitment to a trajectory change means she has been sober for two years, and has turned her hard work, diligence, and passion for her kids into a series of remarkable feats.
“I have paid off a lot of debts, I got my driver’s license, I bought my own vehicle!”
She met her goals as the staff cheered her on. “If you have your mind set on something and you really want it, THIS is the place to be. Because they’ll help you do it.”
This summer, her achievements aligned with a great opportunity for housing, allowing Kathryn and her four children to move on from FLS, confident in her new way forward. “EVERYONE has mentored me through everything. Cause y’all gave me the place to live, and it’s just a great place to be, honestly. I’m going to miss being here. But I’m glad I have a HOUSE!,” she whispers with a smile, adding, “I probably would’ve never got it if it wasn’t for me being here.”
Kathryn admits the residential program can be a challenge. “But it HELPS you stay where you need to stay,” she adds.
Now thriving in a new job, she plans to stay on a positive path with the new Women of Extreme Courage program, modeled on the residential program. “I think it will keep me on my ‘P’s and Q’s.’ The group nights, the ministries and stuff—It’s a fun thing for kids. I love it.”
The long road to Kathryn’s success consists of small and big steps: staying sober, keeping a job, earning a driver’s license, paying off debt, submitting to a loving yet sharpening community.
“I’m very thankful that I got to be here.”
We at FLS are so proud of you, Kathryn!
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” –2 Corinthians 9:8
