Danait’s story
“I’ve finally stopped running from me” Born in Ethiopia, Danait was five years old when her family was separated as they fled the conflict breaking out between her home country and neighboring Eritrea. While her mother relocated to Europe, her father brought the children to America, where he worked multiple jobs and long hours. He […]
Kenny’s Story
“Now I am set free and a new creation” Kenny grew up with a father he could never please. His dad would frequently beat him for doing something wrong, but wasn’t interested in teaching his son the right way to live. “He would never spend time with me to show me how to live like […]
Dishonn’s Story
“Seeing Myself Clearly” I struggled with addiction since I was 8 or 9 years old. My grandmother, who was a bootlegger, raised me so I was in the house with alcohol as long as I can remember. I started sneaking drinks and no one realized what I was doing. Because of the influence of my […]
A Better Man – Terrance’s Story
“A Better Man” I was bound to be addicted to something, even from an early age. I grew up in a dysfunctional household, even though it was a loving home. After arriving in Jacksonville in 1987, I was living a chaotic life, driven by my addictions. I had passed by the New Life Inn on […]
No More Anger – Anthony’s Story
“No More Anger” My struggle with drugs and alcohol has always been connected to anger. As a child, I was angry at my mother for returning to an abusive relationship. As a teenager, that anger led me to a life of violence. I started with drinking and smoking weed as a teenager, but my drug […]
Back to Being Me – Pandora’s Story
“Back to Being Me” I started drinking at the age of 14. After 2 failed marriages, I was a raging alcoholic and I had experimented with powdered cocaine and acid. As my addictions progressed, crack cocaine took a hold of my life and I was a highly functioning addict, on and off, for 30 years. […]
From a Dark Place – TishShaunna’s Story
“From a Dark Place” Before coming to City Rescue Mission, I was in a very dark place. I had been in a dark place since I was 15 years old. By that time, I had already been in many abusive relationships and was on my own, due to being abandoned by my parents at a […]
Grateful through it all: Juanita is especially thankful for YOU!
“The Time to Change” Lost and tired, Juanita knew she desperately needed a change to save her life. Juanita now has a life that she didn’t think was possible before she entered City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders program in 2007. Nearly 15 years after entering City Rescue Mission, Juanita leads a life that is in stark […]
Angelique’s Story – A Mother’s Promise
“ A Mother’s Problem” Just over twenty years ago, Angelique made a promise that would guide her the rest of her life. Today, she looks back on her time at City Rescue Mission and the valuable foundation it offered her then and her family now. In 2001, Angelique was roaming the streets of New York, […]
Dannon’s Story: Ready. Set. Goal!
“Ready. Set. Goal!” If you would have told Dannon a year ago, that he would be running marathons and participating in triathlon events, it would probably have provoked a chuckle or even an eye-roll. Dannon entered the City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders program after serving time in jail for crimes he committed to feed and fund […]
