When a friend of *Veronica suggested she reach out to Love In the Name of Christ Heartland, she was the only one working in her household, and with two little children, they were struggling financially. Life became more and more stressful as they tried to pay bills each month. We offered her our Fresh Start Program, but she wasn’t ready to commit. Then, her marriage began to fall apart, and she lost valuable healthcare benefits like counseling. Veronica realized she needed help and desired to make a change. She needed a positive support system in her life.
Around this time, our Fresh Start Program Director, Lisa Green, participated in monthly Love INC National prayer calls. Lisa knew many of the neighbors we were helping had yet to choose to commit to Fresh Start. She knew how much they needed it, and it burdened her. Veronica came to Lisa’s mind as the other Love INC staff prayed together on the call. A few hours later, Veronica visited our Love INC Heartland office and thrift store in Delano. She shared that she had cleared her schedule for Mondays and wanted to begin the Fresh Start Program!
The Fresh Start homework was challenging for her, and managing anxiety did not help. As time went on, the homework became easier. She received encouragement and reassurance all along the way. She began understanding her emotions better. She discovered she was not alone because others shared similar life experiences and started to form positive relationships that supported her while growing in her relationship with God.
Veronica’s life transformation is just beginning. She has found Fresh Start to be unique. She didn’t know of any other programs that provide you tools to navigate life and encourage building a relationship with Jesus. Veronica is learning to make changes with God’s help, and because of that, her level of peace and hope continues to grow. Even when life circumstances would overwhelm her, she would make it to Fresh Start every week. Every week, she would leave feeling loved and cared for, which helped her get through the tough stuff in life.
*Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.
Fresh Start Program
At Love INC Heartland, we aim to promote positive, lasting life transformation. Our Fresh Start Program encourages independence by helping people gain valuable life skills and see their self-worth. Volunteers from our partnership of churches provide community meals, lead classes, and mentor participants. We also rely on donations to sponsor families in the Fresh Start Program. Will you support this transformational ministry? Let us know today!