“I finally found a sense of belonging.”

Marilyn grew up in a happy home, surrounded by family, but as she grew older, her life took a painful turn. “I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship,” she shares. “I didn’t want my daughter to experience it, so I had to leave.”

 

She knew she needed to change—for herself and for her young daughter. So she turned to the Lord for guidance.

 

In an answer to her prayers, she received help from a family member to take a brave leap: Marilyn left her old life behind. “This meant we were homeless at first,” she remembers. “But I was determined to stay away from the negativity of my past.” That’s when she was led to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.

 

Marilyn was welcomed into our Naomi Family Program, where she and her daughter were provided safe shelter and meals, and a journey toward healing and stability began. “I was nervous at first, but the staff were so nice… within a few days, it felt like home.”

 

Through biblical, holistic care, Marilyn grew closer to Christ in ways she never expected. “Before, I was guilty of going to Jesus only when I needed something. Now, thanks to the Mission, I pray every day and I’ve learned to be grateful for the little things.” Our faith-focused environment helped her heal from wounds she hadn’t previously faced so that she could attain lasting sobriety.

 

With the support of the program and staff, Marilyn is now working toward a dream job in caregiving while enjoying a stable homelife with her daughter. Another treasure she found at the Mission was lasting friendships with other women. “We call each other ‘sisters,’” she smiles. “It feels like family, and it’s beautiful.”

 

For Marilyn and her daughter, homelessness could have become a cycle. But thanks to the Mission, they found a way forward. “Thanks to my time at UGMTC, I finally see myself as worthy of love. I’m so grateful for this chance to begin again.”