Home of Hope Students

From birth until I was 8 years old, my life was a blur because I was sexually abused. After I turned 9, life was like a dream. I got to enjoy my mother’s company along with my older sisters. At the age of 12 years old, I started going to parties with my older sisters and by the time I was 16, I went to boot camp. That changed me a lot. I had my first son at 18. I started using drugs to numb out and then it turned into an addiction. I felt bad and I didn’t like the person that I was becoming. That just influenced me to do it all the more. Coming to Teen Challenge was a choice, but God lead me here. I hope to complete the program, to show not only myself but the ones who have persevered with me in the process to recovery that God has changed me.      

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Life growing up was lonely. My grandparents cared for me and protected me but when my grandma died I was 14 and on my own. I was introduced to drugs at the age of 14 and was left to fend for myself.  I lived in a home where drugs were present and my siblings taught me how to use. I continued in my use because I thought it fixed my loneliness/depression and problems. When my children were taken away I hit rock bottom. It was then a friend told me about Teen Challenge and I entered the program. What I hope to take away from this experience is to be healed from addiction, learn how to stay sober, have a strong relationship with Christ, get my children back and be a healthy mother!    

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 38:15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.

Growing up my childhood was riddled with mental, emotional and sexual abuse. I had my first drink at 13 and didn’t like it. However, my alcoholism took over after my first husband and I divorced in 2001. Then I only drink beer and in my later years I graduated to straight vodka. I drank to forget the pains of my troubled past and present, which became increasingly worse as my addiction grew. Every scar on my body, every broken dream and every relationship ruined was due to alcohol. I came to Teen Challenge because I had totally given up on life and just wanted to die. I was introduced to a pastor who works with La Mesa ministries and I was on my way. While here I hope to build a foundation with God, prayerfully go through some of the pains of my past and learn to dream again about a bright future for me and my loved ones.      

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

My childhood was a decent one. My father passed away when I was a week old. I had my mom there to guide me the best way she knew how to. She had my siblings and I dedicated to the Lord when we were babies. When I was 16, I felt like my mother gave me too much freedom when I needed her to be stern. To numb my confusion and frustrations, I began using drugs. Later on I used to numb the pain from life just happening. I got tired of the life of lies that I had been living and was ready to live in the truth. I hope to accomplish full healing, understanding and self-confidence to live up to my full potential. I hope to become the woman and mother that God has intended for me to be.  

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Growing up my life was pretty good. I was involved in sports and I had friends. My life was very family oriented. I started drinking at the age of 14 and 2 years ago I began using heroin. I did this so that I wouldn’t be able to feel any emotions. I came to Teen Challenge because I want a strong foundation and structure with God. I hope to heal so that I can love myself again and be proud to look in the mirror.      

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I was adopted at the age of eleven after which I grew up in a very healthy family structure. We attended church every Sunday, it was a happy home life. My addiction started in high school when I was a sophomore. I began using muscle relaxers and alcohol. The alcohol was becoming excessive from partying which then turned into an actual addiction. I enrolled here to better my mental and physical health; also to have a stronger relationship with our maker through the Bible. I hope to find contentment and have control of my life decisions. I hope to find comfort and to keep it while accomplishing graduating the program with a more in depth knowledge of my own self skills.      

Favorite Scripture: Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

From a young age I had to grow up quickly because I was responsible for my siblings. Luckily I was raised in a protective home, but I was emotionally neglected, and I felt very fearful. Later on in life I began losing myself to addictions like alcohol, meth, nicotine and codependent relationships. I used drugs to cover up all my pain and hurt. My mother was the one who brought me here to Teen Challenge when I realized I needed help. My hope while I’m here is to be reunited with my grandchildren, to know God‘s word, and to live in his peace and forgiveness.  

Favorite Scripture: Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

My name is Mary and I have been at the Home of Hope since March 2, 2020. I came here because I was extremely tired and I needed to surrender my will for God’s will. I did my first line of cocaine when I was 14 years old, and that started a long, long road of drug and alcohol abuse. I had one bad relationship after another.  They were always physically and verbally abusive. I had my daughter at 21 and my mom raised her. I had my son at 41 and fell into another battle with methamphetamine. My family helped me realize that what I was missing in my life was faith in the only One that would get me past all of the pain and destruction I had endured and caused. My healing has begun already. I’ve learned a few things about myself and received healing for some painful things I lived through and still carried around with me. God is so good!  

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Growing up my childhood was difficult. My parents were divorced and I moved back and forth between two households never feeling grounded. At 8 years old, I tried my first cigarette and got drunk on New Year’s Eve. In 7th grade when I was 12 years old, I started smoking marijuana. After a bad car accident at the age of 29, I became addicted to pills and at the age of 36 I progressed to meth and heroin. I was so broken and lost, I walked out on everyone and everything which caused me to become homeless. I believe that my addictions were caused by not having a relationship with Jesus. In 2019, my probation was revoked and I went to prison. In August of this year I was released and entered the Home of Hope. While I’m here I hope to be healed of my past and receive Christian life skills, and gain an intimate relationship with the Lord.  

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 43:1 I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.

Life growing up was hard. I was very lonely, depressed and confused. My addiction began at the age of 13. There was no joy or smiles in my life. I was desperate, so I went looking and I found a superficial joy and laughter when I started experiencing drugs.  Eventually the high wore off the drugs no longer worked and all of my problems just seemed to grow with my pain. So I called on Jesus and I heard “leave          everything, Teen Challenge” I know in my heart God wants me here. While I’m here I don’t want anything left in my closet. I want God to expose all of me, I want to lay it all out. I want to trust him and believe what He says about me. I don’t just want to be saved I want to be       delivered. I want God to use me!!    

Favorite Scripture: Luke 5:31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 

Growing up my family life was tough. Our family was constantly fighting, calling the cops and then getting evicted. My dad was always sick, in and out of the hospital all the time. I began using drugs in high school with my younger brother. I did so to block out my emotions. I came to Teen Challenge because I desire better for my life. I hope to be set free and have restoration with my family.      

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and will make your paths straight.

I came to the Home of Hope because I lost my way in life in 2004. I was 25 years old when I lost my mother suddenly to a bowel obstruction. It was the worst thing ever to me to lose my mom who was always there for me and my whole family. I’ve been trying to do things by myself since then, but my drinking problem just got worse and my life was spiraling down without me noticing. I needed help but did not feel I could ask for it. I have 7 kids altogether and I am pregnant again, five months now. I lost all my kids to DCS because of drug and alcohol use. After that, I lost all hope for my life and gave up fighting. I want all my kids back and I will fight for my life to get better now. Since I have been at the Home of Hope, I feel a change happening. I pray my life will be what it is meant to be and I will be a God-loving person and mother. One day I hope for peace and love for my life and others.  

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 117:1-2 Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.