Our Stories Matter: Adrienne

Adrienne has had a life filled with challenges. However, she is a fighter and has fought hard to overcome many. 

At the age of 18, Adrienne had brain surgery. This caused her to suffer from migraines, and the right side of her brain was less mobile. She was also required to take medication for seizures. Her health problems affected every area of her life. 

Adrienne was married for 11 years, and she also has a little boy who is 10. He is her pride and joy. Unfortunately, the marriage was not healthy. She found herself on social security, but could not leave the relationship because she had no job or place to stay. 

She moved out of the relationship and lived with a friend in a camper van until that also got difficult for her and her little boy. After that, she tried to apply for a housing voucher, but those things took years to be approved. 

During this season, she couch-surfed at her friends’ homes and slept in her car. Finally, her aunt helped her by getting her into a hotel. But she kept hoping the housing voucher would come through. 

Finally, one Sunday at church, she heard about Giving Grace.

It seemed interesting, so she filled out the application form online, and the next day someone called her! She was able to schedule an appointment with the caseworker Katia the very next day, and they told her she could get a room right away! Adrienne was over the moon. This was a Godsend! Nothing short of a miracle! 

She loved that the first question was that they asked her what they could pray for. Then they helped her set goals to move up in the housing list. 

Adrienne has been in the hotel for a little over two months and will get her housing voucher soon! 

The team at Giving Grace helped and encouraged her when filling out the daunting paperwork. They also had a “no-alcohol” policy. Although she did not drink much, she stuck to the rules, and it’s been two months since she went near a drink. Adrienne felt God was calling her to stop drinking, and she feels much better overall. She was able to identify that she had an addictive personality and also a family history of alcoholism. 

If all goes well, Adrienne and her little boy can move into their apartment within the next two months. 

She cannot believe everything has moved so smoothly. She did not think she would have much luck in life. She gives all glory to God for bringing Giving Grace into her life. They impacted her life every single day. She had a safe place to stay, and Daily Bread brought them free food twice weekly. Every single member was supportive and so willing, and generous to help. The hotel manager Michelle was helpful, even with simple requests. She always put a smile on everyone’s face. 

They even had security guards 24/7 to ensure who was walking in and out, so she felt protected all the time, and this, too, was a Godsend. Katia and Michelle made the whole process easy but also made her feel welcome and supported. 

Adrienne knows her time at Giving Grace is ending, but she will never forget their massive impact on her life! 

Written by E. Sherene Joseph