Life Anew: A Family Care Testimony

Last year, Mackenzie* found herself in a very unhealthy relationship and in serious need of help. After getting connected and moving into our Family Care home in Alabaster, life took on a wonderful new direction for her and her girls.

“I was in a toxic relationship with my then fiancé, and my kids were seeing a lot of things that I realized wasn’t healthy for them,” shares Mackenzie. “I had gotten to my breaking point, and I knew it was time to leave. I didn’t know where I was going to go and how I would get out of that whole situation.”

She describes how her sister knew what she was going through and how she began to research ways to help. Her sister found out about our Family Care program and called and spoke with House Manager Cami Jones. After walking through our admissions process, Mackenzie and her girls were able to move in to our apartment-style home in Alabaster, and a new chapter of life began.

STARTING OVER

“From the moment we arrived, Cami made us feel welcomed. That first night there was the best rest I had had in a long time because I felt so at peace. She always asked us what we needed and asked me how I was doing . . . it was so refreshing for someone to genuinely care about my day and (to ask) how I’m doing,” she says.

In addition to the support received from Cami, Mackenzie shares how being able to utilize our counseling services through Pathways Professional Counseling was also a tremendous help, “Katie (our counselor) was and is a true blessing to me and my oldest. I was able to work through a lot of feelings and feel empowered because of her. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience.”

Having endured the darkness of a toxic relationship, at times feeling powerless to change her family’s reality, Mackenzie now sees God’s hand in helping her overcome and develop a greater sense of self and realizing the power she has as a woman and as a mom. She has also seen and shares too, that this power also lies in the community around us.

THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY

Our volunteers at Family Care are truly special and loving individuals, and from those experiences, Mackenzie says she is now inspired to also act on behalf of others in need, “I realized that there are great people in our community that care and want to see others do well. It inspires me to give a helping hand to the next person.”

In addition to the volunteers who regularly pour themselves and God’s goodness into our moms and kids, there are often opportunities for community building in the home with other moms. She shares, “I have created such a great bond with four of the other mothers that lived at the house the same time that my family did. We have laughed so much and shared so many stories that I’m pretty sure our bond will continue years from now.”

Mackenzie says with all certainty, that entering and completing the Family Care program was one of the best decisions she has ever made. It can be hard sometimes to reach out, ask, and accept help, but she wants to encourage any mom who finds herself in need of help, to do just that.

She says, “For any mother that has the opportunity to come to this program, do it. You will be nervous and unsure, but ABCH will be there for you. You will run into issues because that’s life, but you will always have a support system that will be there for you . . . Be positive and pray about your situation, and things will work out for your good.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As she reflected on her time with us, Mackenzie felt like there were not words to fully express her gratitude for the many opportunities and resources she has now received because of ABCH. And as a ministry, it is God’s grace and goodness through the gifts of individuals, churches, and businesses that help us provide these things for those in our care. We are so thankful for your continued support in helping to change lives like Mackenzie’s and her daughters.

Mackenzie has a bright outlook on the days and years ahead. She also knows she and her girls are not alone in their journey, as some of the friends they have met through this experience have now become like family to them.

“Because of ABCH, I gained some tools and relationships to help me better my life for me and for my girls. We still have work to do, but we are in a better situation to reach the goals I have set for my family,” she continues, “ . . . The impact you (ABCH) have had in our lives will last a lifetime. Please continue your great work in advocating for women and children’s safety, well-being, and relationship with Christ.”

*Name and photo has been changed for privacy purposes.