A Better Future Ahead

“I never thought I would end up at a homeless shelter.”

Thank you for helping Marilyn and her daughter find a place to call home!

As she stood outside the door of Atlanta Mission’s shelter for women and children, Marilyn remembered volunteering there years prior. She remembered the smiles on the women’s faces as she served them a meal or gave them clothes. Today, she was there for a completely different reason – because she and her daughter, Sarah, needed a place to sleep and a new start.

An unexpected change in circumstances

“I had a rich, full life,” says Marilyn. “I never thought I would end up at a homeless shelter.” She had an established career in the furniture installation business and enjoyed going to work every day. She was doing well, providing for herself and her three daughters.

But when pain forced her to undergo replacement surgery in both hips, she was unable to continue working. She was not able to pay rent at her apartment, so she moved in with family members. But she soon realized that it was not a safe environment for Sarah.

“Taking Sarah to a homeless shelter was a humbling and challenging experience, because I didn’t know what to expect,” says Marilyn. “I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at My Sister’s House.”

The staff members were kind and treated them with dignity. They asked Marilyn what she and Sarah needed, and helped provide those services for them. She felt a heavy weight being lifted off her chest because she realized they were going to be safe here.

Home…and hope for the future!

Today, Marilyn’s days are filled with counseling sessions, time with her social worker, Bible studies, and working at the front desk of My Sister’s House.

Her Advocate, Becca, taught a stress management class that helped Marilyn a great deal. “I realized that stress was my biggest problem, especially when it came to providing for my daughter,” says Marilyn. “Becca taught me healthy ways to manage my stress, such as prayer, meditation, and being open with my counselor.”

Sarah is also thriving at My Sister’s House. She is surrounded by a community of women who support and encourage her daily. She has also opened up to her own counselor, which was a big breakthrough.

With Becca’s help, Marilyn has applied for subsidized housing and has been approved for disability benefits. She and Sarah are hoping to move into a place of their own in the next few months.

Marilyn’s dream is to eventually teach women how to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields like she did, and perhaps partner with My Sister’s House.

“Atlanta Mission has changed my life,” Marilyn says, “Sarah and I have hope and a better future because of this place.”

Thank you for helping making stories like Marilyn’s possible! Because of you, men, women, and children are finding hope!

THANK YOU FOR SHARING CHRISTMAS JOY

Christmas at Atlanta Mission is truly magical

One of the highlights of the year for the children who call Atlanta Mission home is the annual Christmas program. Last year, we served hundreds of children. With their innocence and smiles, they brought the joy of Christmas to our campus!

Your gift provides a home for those who have none!

There’s no place like home for the holidays! Most of us will be decorating, buying gifts, preparing meals, and reuniting with loved ones.

But for men, women, and children living on the streets here in the Metro Atlanta area, there won’t be much to look forward to this Christmas.

You can change that!

The Justin Landis Group believes so strongly in our mission to provide homes for hurting families that they have offered a special Home for the Holidays Matching Challenge that will double any gift you give – dollar for dollar – up to $150,000.

Grant provided by:

Thank you for your heart of giving!

Dear Friend,

While reflecting on the upcoming Christmas season, I am in awe of the astounding love and compassion that Christ has for all of us – especially for those that others don’t care about.

Jesus calls us to care for the overlooked, the forgotten, and the desperate. He even told us, “What you would do for the least of these…you do for me.”

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I want to personally thank you for caring for the forgotten ones in our community.

You have not forgotten them

Thank you for the generous gifts you give, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. And thank you for being a trusted steward of the resources that God has given you.

Know that your support is impacting the lives of those we serve today and for generations to come. Because of your sacrificial giving – the lives of men, women, and children are being restored!

Your generosity is being used by God to bless everyone who enters our doors.

From the Atlanta Mission family to your family, may you have a very Merry Christmas!


Blessings,

Jim Reese
President & CEO