…for the sake of her children, she hoped so!

How Sober Living and Aftercare facilities like
Lifespring Women’s Center helped Billie.

Sober Living and Aftercare for Women: Most Detox Centers are 30-day,60-day, or 90-day programs. For many individuals, it’s simply not enough time to rebuild their lives or become secure in their recovery. Getting back to work and paying bills take precedence. That’s why more individuals and families are turning to Wayside Cross Ministries for help as they struggle with addiction or domestic violence. It’s why our Bible-based, Christ-centered recovery and transitional housing facilities like Lifespring and Master’s Touch have placed Wayside at the top of the after-care referral list for both agencies, concerned families and individuals looking for transitional housing and extended care for a loved one.

Did you know . . . 84% of homeless families are cared for by single mothers? Unfortunately, all to many have also had to endure domestic violence. At Wayside’s Lifespring Center for women & children, you are helping break that cycle and give these ladies and their little ones safe housing and a chance to rebuild their lives on the solid foundation of Christ, one family at a time.

There was a time when Billie’s case looked utterly hopeless. The people who knew her best, and even State officials who took charge of her petition, in the beginning shared similar opinions. But they didn’t know Billie. They didn’t know what could happen when God is on your side.

Every year, domestic violence continues to rise. And that statistic seems to have grown with the rise of COVID and shelter in place. Billie sat there recalling the abuse and the drinking. But somehow she found the strength to make a change. That’s what drove her to Wayside Cross’ Lifespring Center for women and women with children. She needed help.

“It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” 

~ Isaiah 4:6” 

When Billie first arrived at Lifespring, she remembers telling people, “I have a plan. I’m in a tunnel, and the light at the end of it is so far down there. But it’s lit.” After battling her problem with alcohol, leaving an abusive relationship, and losing custody of her children, she was ready for a change. She arrived at Lifespring in September– focused on regaining custody of her two young boys, eliminating destructive habits, and becoming a stable foundation for her family.

“I had a problem with drinking. It affected all my choices and priorities.” Like so many women, she appeared to have found security in a relationship, even if that relationship was abusive. “Unfortunately, I put myself and my kids in a tough spot.”

“The thought of losing my children was a real wakeup call.”

After a difficult transition to Lifespring, Billie received Jesus as her Savior and Lord. She slowly began to learn of His character, and her attitude and actions began to change.

In many ways she found herself identifying with the apostle Peter when he stepped out onto the water to meet Jesus. She was afraid of sinking, but still, she put her trust and my confidence in Him.

Because of the stability she has found in Jesus Christ, Billie is back working full time. Her youngest son was placed back with her in March, and in September, one year after arriving at Lifespring Billie’s family was completely restored again, now that her oldest son has been returned to her.

She says now, “The light at the end of that tunnel feels like it’s right here.” We celebrate with her as her family is reunited. The stability of her family and the love she has for her children are now rooted in the only constant in any of our lives – Jesus Christ.

Billie looks forward to new beginnings and making new memories with her children. The light at the end of her tunnel is near, and the path she is taking to walk the rest of the way looks much different now. She is focused on walking God’s way and not the way of the world. She has walked the path of destruction and has chosen the path of life – toward the only true Light there is.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12b

Children and single-parent families struggle the most in the face of economic uncertainty and job loss. Wayside’s Urban Youth Ministry and Lifespring Women’s Ministry work on two ends of the spectrum to support women and children and meet their unique needs.

We don’t get a lot of chances in life. Billie certainly burned up most of hers. But God had another plan. “Thankfully, He brought me here to Wayside’s Lifespring Center.”

Today, Billie is working again and living independently. Her mentor and her Church home, one of the Partner Churches of Wayside Cross, were both instrumental in getting her oldest son into a good private Christian School. They even provided a scholarship so he could attend. Billie remains connected and lives in one of the transitional housing apartments at Lifespring. Church and her new Christian friends continue to fortify her walk.

“I found hope in the arms of Jesus!”

For all who continue to support and pray for the six ministries of Wayside Cross, we can’t thank you enough.

If you know anyone in a difficult situation like Billie found herself in, please contact us at (630) 892-4239 for encouragement and support. Our Sr. Chaplain and Ministry Directors are good resources for concerned families and referring agencies that may be considering Wayside Cross Ministries for an individual or loved one who needs support.

See our Contact Page for additional information.