Hi, my name is Amanda Engler. I am so happy and grateful to be here with you tonight. Before I came to the Changing Lives Center my life was on a crash course to prison or death. I was living on the streets sleeping wherever I could always searching for that next high doing whatever I could do to get it including shoplifting anywhere I went. Also, I was putting my worth in a man that really saw no worth in me and was heading down the same road even worse.
After dealing with several legal issues, an a inpatient program that only lead me to relapsing 7 hours after I left, a probation officer who truly believed in me and Gods amazing plan for me is how I ended up here at the Changing Lives Center.
I was scared, lost and unsure about the future but I decided to stick it out and get the most out of the program that I could. BOY!!! Am I glad I did, this program has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I have found my worth in Jesus Christ, found my purpose in leadership on this campus, processed through all the things I never wanted to deal with and most importantly I’ve been able to restore my relationship with my mother who has always been my biggest supporter and encourager but in my addiction I pushed her away.
One year ago, I would have never thought that I would know what healthy relationships are, be clean from drugs and be serving God in the most amazing way by giving back to the community that has given me so much.
I have enjoyed getting to know so many amazing women, creating beautiful friendships and gaining an amazing support network in my amazing counselor Jackie Zumach, and all of the amazing women who I have had the pleasure of serving with.
I thank you for your never ending support. I have also created many goals for my life while being here at the Changing Lives Center but the most important one to me is to continue to be a living testimony to the power of God, hard work and determination to give hope to those who are still stuck in addiction and do not yet know the love and power of God. Just know the Changing Lives Center not only changes lives but transforms them too.
The verse I will leave you with is:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
