My name is Diane. When I came to the Capital City Rescue Mission, I was broken and lost. I had been in and out of rehabs and had periods of sobriety and relapses over many years. In the seventies, I tried any drug that was around. My addiction to alcohol started in my late teens. Much later, I became addicted to crack cocaine.
As a result of my addictions, my marriage fell apart and I lost my relationship with my children and family. I wasn't paying my bills, my credit cards were maxed out, and it never dawned on me that my friends were stealing from me. I lost my job, my home, and even my health.
My sister wanted me to go away because of the chaos I caused in the family. Looking back, I can't blame her.
Although I was reluctant to come to the Mission's Family Center, I did want my life to change, and so I agreed to leave Connecticut and come to Albany. At first my guilt and shame overwhelmed me. I was quiet as I attended classes and counseling, but my relationship with Jesus was becoming more personal. I was beginning to trust Him with my life. And slowly my desires and thoughts were being transformed.
The time came for me to stand trial and turn myself in for DUI and for driving with a suspended license. I was sentenced to a year at the state prison. My 8 months at New Faith Family Center prepared me to lean on God. He gave me peace. I was ridiculed for my faith, but every day as I read His Word, He applied something to me in my situation.
Sometimes I wanted to reprimand the young women with me, but I had to bite my tongue. They were angry with God. God reminded me to "Be still, and know that I am God." I was learning that this was a spiritual battle. But God was with me in this dark and lonely place.
After 365 days, I was released to probation, and after completing 500 hours of community service in Connecticut my probation was closed - in 6 months instead of 3 years. I was able to return to the Rescue Mission to complete the program at the Family Center.
I am so thankful for a safe place of healing where I can learn how to live my faith. Now, I am looking forward to joining the staff of the Family Center as a Resident Assistant to support other women in need.
Thank you for making a difference to me...God is at work in my life and I am grateful.