written by one of our residents
Dara's* Narrow Escape: A desperate
need for love and affection and a sense of not belonging led me to the destructive world of promiscuity and drug addiction
at a young age. The progression of my addiction took me from one abusive relationship to another; from marijuana
to selling cocaine; and from periods of abstinence to becoming my own best customer. Blessed with four children, but
overcome by hopelessness, despair, guilt and shame, my life was out of control and unmanageable. I flirted with death several
times, but God had provided ways for me to narrowly escape. By the time I faced my third prison stay, I somehow came
to the realization that I paid a high price for something that seemed to promise me everything and delivered nothing
but pain, misery and loss. Looking around the jail cell, I saw nothing but death. I did not want to live
any longer, but the Voice in which I was raised to believe would not let me give up. I fell to the floor of the
prison cell and cried, "Lord, please help me." The little faith that I had was enough to move the mountain of fear within
me and I was finally able to surrender to Him. Months later, God opened a door and many people came to my aid, including
the people from the Good News Home. After being at the Home for nine
months, my relationship with God has grown strong and I am no longer hopelessly searching. I plan to work my
way through Bible college so that I can fulfill the vision that God has put before me. A vision of a transitional
program, project Inmate Advancement Mission that will help to serve those who are held captive in emotional
and spiritual prisons. This will be for the Glory of God.
---2002 Graduate
January 2006
To the Good
News Home Staff,
I am a former resident. I attended your
program very briefly in 1996. Unfortunately I did not reap all the benefits of
your wonderful program at the time…My reason for writing is to let you know that although I did not complete your program,
I did get myself recovered with the help of Our Lord…I have been clean for 8 years!
I moved to Massachusetts where I have been attending a Messianic Jewish congregation; they are
believers...While in your program I met Ruth Curtis; she was an amazing woman! I am very saddened to hear of Ms.
Ginsburg's passing. It is wonderful that her vision for a refuge for women suffering from addiction, and preaching the
good news of salvation still thrives! I want to thank you for your efforts in trying to help me…I am sorry
for any trouble I may have caused at the time…Know that you did plant a seed in me…Although it took a while to
grow, you did create an impact on my life! Thanks again and God Bless You all!!!
---1996
Resident
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