COMMUNITY STORE: SHARON'S STORY

"I worked factory jobs for years, which I think caused a lot of my hearing loss now. Because of my hearing loss, I worked several temporary jobs but couldn’t find anything permanent. In 2016, I had a seizure and wrecked my vehicle, so I’ve been without transportation too.

Last year, I was unemployed and barely paying my rent. I met with Teresa at Audubon Area Community Services, and we had a conversation about God and how much I love Him. She told me, “I know exactly where you need to be,” and sent me to Hope House.

I feel like I’m in church 24/7. I have the support of Godly people in my life all the time. If it wasn’t for the people at Hope House, I don’t know what I would do. My walk with Christ is stronger than it’s been in my whole life. In anything that I struggle with, I know I can come here and find help and support.

I’ve completed Jobs for Life and Faith & Finances, and I quit smoking during Faith & Finances because I realized it was the biggest expense that I had, not to mention it was bad for my health.

Really, my living situation hasn’t changed because I’m still at the same affordable housing complex and without a car. But I know it doesn’t really matter as long as I have this job and these people in my life, and I keep my focus on Christ and my walk with him."

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