Meet Jennifer

…finding hope in a Faith-based addiction treatment program
;

All She Had Left Was The Hunger In Her Eyes and Hope In Her Heart.

“I couldn’t imagine a life outside of drugs until I saw my own mother and my husband together, using in front of my little girl. That’s when I really became desperate.”

Aug 13, 2023 | Stories of Hope

“I tried several recovery programs, but this place was different. It worked.” ~ Jennifer

Free, Faith-based Addiction Treatment Programs that work: For over 95 years, Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center and Master’s Touch for Men have proven Christian recovery programs work. In story after story, residents in our free, comprehensive, Bible-based transitional living programs share how giving their lives to Christ in our extensive program gave them success, independence, and a new sense of community and even helped rebuild their families. Read how Jennifer and her daughter rebuilt their life on the solid foundation of Christ at Wayside.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” ~Psalm 91:4.

Christian Recovery Programs like Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center and Master’s Touch offer a new kind of hope for people who have tried other recovery options. Jennifer and her daughter were no exception.

Most people will probably never know the kind of desperation Jennifer felt. Coming from a broken family, Jennifer became addicted at the tender age of 15. It was the only way to drown out and cope with the life she had been born into. That eventually led her through two failed and abusive relationships. One day, she came home from work to find her husband and mother together, using, right in front of her daughter. “That was rock-bottom for me.” Jennifer said she started looking at herself in the mirror. She realized at that moment she needed more. Her daughter deserved more – they needed Jesus.

“And she gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me….” ~ Genesis 16:13

But it takes strength and determination to leave a broken home to search for a better life. “When Dana, the Lifespring Director at Wayside, called me for my intake, I just broke down. I had to leave a whole house and security, but I did it. It was hard, but I left knowing I would have to walk away from that and start all over again. I tried programs that were not faith-based, but they never seemed to work. This place was different. At Lifespring, I get to meet with a volunteer pastor and his wife once a week. Pastor Frank. I really enjoy talking with them. They even changed his time to seven in the morning just to accommodate me because I work during the week. We meet for one hour, and it’s become the best time of my day. I get so much out of our conversations.” Before coming to Wayside, Jennifer was dreaming of becoming a licensed daycare teacher.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” ~Psalm 32:8

“I remember when Dana called for my intake. She said, ‘Oh, there’s a daycare right next door, and they have an arrangement and will watch your daughter when you start working.’ That took me by surprise, and I said, ‘Well, that’s amazing.’ “My daughter and I wouldn’t be able to do it without my case manager and Dana, the director. They push us to do the right things. “When you first come into the program you can’t work for the first 90 days. So, I was in seven classes a day. You have to go to Bible study on Wednesday nights. Then you attend church every Sunday, and you have to do chores. Daily. Which is normal if you have your own place; you do your own cooking and cleaning.”

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  ~ Deuteronomy 31:6-8

In addition to the classwork and Biblical counseling, residents are responsible for cooking for the entire house once every two weeks. Jennifer says she loves this: “During the day, I’ll come on my lunch break to prepare it, and then one of the other female residents and I’ll throw it in the oven. We’ll take it out by five, and then we have to serve the residents who live here. “Serving others? It just brings you close together. I have grown so much with the women here with me. They’re just like sisters to me now. “… and I guess it feels comforting to have somebody to talk to who has actually experienced what you have experienced and is there for you. “I never had that growing up. My brothers and sisters and I never experienced it—parents who loved us. We never had that kind of love. It was just toxic. So, this place, Lifespring, it’s like a home I never had. This is my safe haven.”

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” ~ Psalm 119:105

Jennifer says Lifespring has changed her whole outlook on life.  “I tear up every time my daughter and I talk about it… I am so blessed. This place has taught me to really cherish the smaller things in life. It’s been really good for my daughter too. I get to be the mom for her that I never really had.”

She explained, “It’s a program you must be on time for. You really have to want it. And I did. I said I’m going to do it.” Looking back at her childhood, she remembers attending church occasionally, but her family never opened up a Bible or prayed.

In addition to the classwork and Biblical counseling, residents are responsible for cooking for the entire house once every two weeks. Jennifer says she loves this: “During the day, I’ll come on my lunch break to prepare it, and then one of the other female residents and I’ll throw it in the oven. We’ll take it out by five, and then we have to serve the residents who live here. “Serving others? It just brings you close together. I have grown so much with the women here with me. They’re just like sisters to me now. “… and I guess it feels comforting to have somebody to talk to who has actually experienced what you have experienced and is there for you. “I never had that growing up. My brothers and sisters and I never experienced it—parents who loved us. We never had that kind of love. It was just toxic. So, this place, Lifespring, it’s like a home I never had. This is my safe haven.”
How Jennifer found Hope: Lifespring Women and Children's recovery center provides safe shelter and support for the homeless, addicted and abuses in Aurora IL

“At Lifespring, when I get off work, we have dinner, me and my daughter; then I go to class. We’re on a routine. I have stability. It’s just beautiful. Wayside even taught me how to save and invest a portion of everything I make. “Wayside even provides training and online certification classes for schooling or work. I just got all my certifications and my CPR license.”

How Jennifer found Hope: Lifespring Women and Children's recovery center provides safe shelter and support for the homeless, addicted and abuses in Aurora IL
“At Lifespring, when I get off work, we have dinner, me and my daughter; then I go to class. We’re on a routine. I have stability. It’s just beautiful. Wayside even taught me to save in just everything I make. “Wayside even provides training and online certification classes for schooling or work. I just got all my certifications and my CPR license.”
“At Lifespring, when I get off work, we have dinner, me and my daughter; then I go to class. We’re on a routine. I have stability. It’s just beautiful. Wayside even taught me to save in just everything I make. “Wayside even provides training and online certification classes for schooling or work. I just got all my certifications and my CPR license.”

It has been several months since Jennifer came to Wayside and graduated from the program. Today, she works as a preschool teacher and is raising her 8-year-old on the solid foundation of Christ. That only comes about with the grace of our merciful Father and the prayers and encouragement of countless supporters. Together, you make this possible. To learn more about Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center and Master’s Touch Free Christian Recovery Programs, visit us at: 215 E New York St., Aurora, IL 60505. Or call: (630) 892-4239

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If you liked Jennifer’s’ story, you may enjoy these stories too.

Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center offers single women and women with children, a safe place to recover from brokenness, addiction and homelessness, and it’s just one of six ministries at Wayside dedicated to serving Christ through His people in need.  Join us in this journey of helping to transform lives and sharing the Gospel of Christ. If you would like to learn more about this 95 year old ministry women’s program looks like, click here.
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