PROGRAM LIVING: ERIC'S STORY

I grew up in foster care, and my life has been full of unstable relationships with family, friends, and many others. I tried to solve that problem for myself in a lot of ways, none of which worked. Eventually, my circumstances got so unstable that they led me to jail for drug use, among other things.

I’ve met with many therapists, counselors, and social workers in my life, but it wasn’t until I met with Jon at Hope House that I felt like I was talking to someone who really cared about me and my situation. On September 29, 2017, I told Jon I was very eager to give Program Living a try.

At the beginning, I didn’t embrace the program the way I should have, but since then, I’ve been able to make significant strides toward changing my life for the better. I don’t think there’s a single part of my life that my time at Hope House hasn’t positively affected.

I’ve rebuilt strained relationships with my biological family, I have less anxiety and fear, and I’ve gained much more confidence and direction for myself. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but now I’m looking into going back to school to pursue a degree in culinary arts to strengthen my passion.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
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I pray that I’m able to keep this direction, both in my understanding of God and my understanding of what I’m meant to do with my life, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do in the eight months I have left in the program.

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