This family has been transformed because people like you give! Read Amanda’s story:
I came to Lighthouse Mission ten years ago. I was twenty years old and homeless, involved in prostitution, addiction, and dealing drugs. Mostly I slept outside and in doorways with my cat, Beanie (who was my rock) and kept all of my belongings in a shopping cart that I pushed around every day. I was in and out of the Drop-In Center through this time. All of my energy was concentrated on bare-minimum survival. I never imagined my life would end up like this.
I knew there must be something better than doing drugs all the time. Because of my addiction I became ill and depressed. I found myself crying and praying every night that my life would change for the better. I was at the point of giving up.
I became very sick and ended up going to the ER where I was diagnosed with COPD and an infection caused from smoking meth. After being released from the hospital I returned to my life on the streets, but I began to feel severe cramping in my stomach.
I went back to the ER and learned I was battling anemia, sepsis, MRSA, and renal failure. This time they did a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. I learned I was thirty-eight weeks pregnant and in labor! To say I was shocked is an understatement. I didn’t expect this surprise! My dear Lyra was born.
I was very sick and recovering from a C-section. My daughter was withdrawing from drugs. Lyra was sent to a foster home while I continued to recover. Beanie was cared for by the Humane Society. One night, while lying in bed, I thought, “I’M DONE!” and I prayed to God, “Please save me for this child!” I felt such a strong sense of peace after praying that I was able to fall asleep. Then God gave me the strength to begin the process of getting Lyra back.
Through all of this, Lyra’s foster family has been amazing! I am so grateful for the way they supported Lyra and me. They involved me in bringing up my daughter. In a way, Lyra has become ‘our daughter’; I consider us one big, happy family!
I was accepted into Agape Home while I worked on goals set for me by CPS. Agape Home offered the structure I needed in my life. Beanie and I reunited at Agape. I demonstrated my ability to be a fit mom and was granted overnight visitation with Lyra, and then full custody!
God put Lyra in my life to give me a second chance; to give me purpose and to allow me to experience motherhood. Without Lighthouse Mission and the support of Agape Home staff, I would never have had the stability to have my daughter Lyra in my life.