Stories of Transformation

Paradise’s Story

“Light of Life taught me how to put God first, be a mother to my children, and take care of me. They taught me to find me again and it gave me a purpose to live.”
– Paradise, Women & Children’s Program Graduate

Paradise took on a lot of responsibility when she was very young as she was raised by her mother and grandmother along with her six siblings. Her mom and children pushed her to get clean after she struggled with addiction for years after her grandmother died when she was 13. It was then where she found Sojourner’s House eventually transitioned into Light of Life’s Women and Children’s program.

shelter stories

Every story is unique. Every story deserves to be heard.

Michelle's Story

"I really didn't know how to love myself before. Today I can look in the mirror and love the person that I see."

Solomon's Story

A"I can listen to the birds sing now. I can hear the beauty of life. I can see how beautiful life is."

Donnie's Story

"There aren’t many places where you can come from active addiction or straight from a park bench and walk through the front doors and immediately feel loved... ”

Jeremy's Story

"This program really does provide the foundation for a lot of people like me, to really make a difference in their life and put their life together."

Sharlene's Story

"No third grade little girl plans to be a prostitute. She doesn’t plan to be homeless. She’s not planning to hold a sign on the highways that she’ll work for food."

Jamal's Story

"In some of the trials and tribulations of our guests that come through the shelter, I see me. My hope is to be able to be hope"

Dean's Story

"We are able to minister to the people who are in this situation, homeless, hungry, using, and we’re able to tell them how we got out of it."

Pastor Bill's Story

"It’s more than just an addiction. There’s family things, there’s background, there’s wounds, there’s hurts and those are then things that are so deep-rooted ..."

Paradise's Story

"Light of Life taught me how to put God first, be a mother to my children, and take care of me. They taught me to find me again and it gave me a purpose to live."