Danielle’s Story

"Eleven years ago, my husband committed suicide. I had two small children and wasn’t prepared for how much my life was going to change. I started using drugs recreationally at first, but when I found that they kept me numb, using became a daily routine. I eventually lost my job and custody of my kids. In 2022, I was arrested for drug trafficking.

While I was in jail, I took Jobs for Life, and it was the two and a half hours out of each week where I felt like I had purpose. When I was released and got to Program Living, all I could do was cry. Ten months in jail seemed like forever, and I couldn’t believe I actually made it. I had never studied the Bible the way we studied it in the program. I felt like I had a reconnection with God.

After four months, I started driving the Ready to Work Shuttle, and from the first day I believed in the purpose of the program. The people that ride the shuttle are just like me; some of them are starting over in life, and they just need a little help. Besides being in the Word everyday, CrossFit has been one of the best parts of the program for me. I wanted to focus on my health, and I’ve lost 72 pounds in seven months. Program Living has taught me the importance of showing up and doing the best I can every day.

God has shown his love to me through so many people. He has shown me that I’m not in this alone. I came out of jail with the clothes on my back, and this program has opened so many doors and given me resources to succeed. I’m still working to restore my relationship with my children, and I go back to family court soon. Restoring my relationship with God started the domino effect of everything that has been good in my life since then.”