My name is Cristeen. Growing up wasn’t easy. My mother struggled with mental illness. My grandmother raised me; she was very strict—children were to be seen and not heard—and discipline was harsh. She taught me how to clean, cook, and the importance of going to church. As a young adult I had a child out of wedlock and was shunned to the back of the church.

Shame kept me from attending church for a long time. I worked hard and did well for myself. I became a secretary and later a paralegal. I was proud to be one of the first in my family to go to college and become a homeowner. But life brought many struggles. I dealt with deep depression and anxiety for years, even though I tried to hide it by joking and pretending everything was fine.

Over time, I began to realize I had deeper mental health struggles, similar to my mother’s. Instead of facing them, I stayed in denial. Then during COVID everything changed. I lost my job, and soon after I lost my home. Being homeless and losing everything was the biggest challenge of my life. I stayed briefly with a friend, but I knew I needed real help to rebuild my life.

Eventually I came to Capital City Rescue Mission’s day shelter. At first, I just came for meals, but after a month I learned about the New Faith Program. Choosing to stay and commit to the program became a turning point in my life.

When I first arrived, it was challenging. Living in an area with many other women was intimidating, and I kept mostly to myself. But the staff showed me something I hadn’t experienced in a long time—genuine love and patience. They didn’t expect perfection. They met me exactly where I was.

Through counseling, anger management classes, and spiritual guidance, I began to face my struggles honestly. I now see a psychiatrist and attend therapy, and I’ve learned healthier ways to process my emotions instead of burying them.

The Mission also helped me grow spiritually. Through Bible studies and classes, I began to understand what it really means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. My faith has grown deeper than it has ever been before. I’ve even started a small prayer group to pray for persecuted Christians around the world.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that God doesn’t make mistakes. He created each of us with purpose, and even the hardest situations can be turned into something good.

Today I feel hopeful about my future. Soon I will graduate from the program and move into supportive community housing where I will continue receiving care and guidance as I rebuild my life.

I’m thankful for the Mission because my relationship with Jesus Christ is closer than it has ever been.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

The Mission gave me more than shelter—it gave me hope, healing, and a fresh start.