And Helped Bring About God’s Plan
“My baptism meant I was serious about changing my life,” said Ashlee*. “It meant I stopped smoking marijuana and drinking and gave all my problems to God.”
Ashlee, a resident of The Elizabeth House, has been on her own since she was 18 years old. Her mom showed her “tough love” which Ashlee said she now understands. “My mom wanted me to grow up and succeed. I can love and appreciate her for that now. It was God’s plan.”
When Ashlee was facing an unintended pregnancy last year and needed a stable home, she wasn’t sure what to do. Fortunately, she had an FSET case worker who told her about The Elizabeth House.
During her stay, Ashlee worked hard to prepare for the arrival of her baby. She participated in Care Net’s pregnancy, childbirth and parenting education. “They taught me things I didn’t know. Like when my daughter makes noise she’s telling me something. I didn’t know that.”
Ashlee also began to turn her life over to God. She met a godly couple who shares our Heavenly Father’s love through biweekly “Heart Chats” at The Elizabeth House. Ashlee started to attend membership classes at the couple’s church and they were with her every step of the way as she grew in her faith. The Elizabeth House community was there to celebrate when Ashlee decided the time was right to declare her faith in Jesus publicly through her baptism.
Now, because of the support of people like her case manager at The Elizabeth House, the couple who lead Heart Chats, her own parents and family and her daughter’s father, Ashlee is in a much different place. These people encouraged her to be a good mom and never give up no matter how hard life gets.
Today Ashlee lives differently. “I don’t do some of the things I used to do,” she said. “I’m more relaxed as a parent…I want my daughter to grow in up in a positive environment and with positive people. No drugs. I want her to know she can come to me for anything.”
When asked about her daughter, Ashlee said, “She is awesome! She is very smart, likes to read and really likes grabbing my phone.” Ashlee added, “She is the reason for everything I do and all the changes I’ve made. She’s a reflection of me.”
Ashlee is also working to meet her career goals. She completed CNA training and is working as a home health aide. In the future she would like to work at a children’s hospital and go to nursing school to become an RN.
“The Elizabeth House Director and Case Manager took a chance on me because they knew I could succeed,” Ashlee said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”
*Name changed to protect privacy.