Changing Lives Center

Where Are They Now: Michele 5 Years Later

In 2015, Michele was addicted, depressed and suicidal. Thankfully, her aunt suggested finding help at Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Changing Lives Center. It’s a decision that saved her life.

“I had this attitude and this demeanor about me that was so self-destructive,” said Michele. “This place has changed me. I’m not angry, I’m not bitter anymore. I look at myself now and I just shake my head. I don’t know who that person was.”

Thanks to your support, Michele thrived at the Mission. She not only graduated from our recovery program, she completed our Servant Leadership course and our rigorous Ministry Training program. You even helped her earn custody back of her two-year-old son, Brody, and gave her the tools she needed to become a great mother.

But that was five years ago. Where is she now?

We’re happy to report that Michele is better than back on her feet – she’s pursuing her dreams.

“Writing has always been a passion of mine. But throughout my life, I set it aside because I was always trying to make everyone else happy. What I learned was, it’s important to make Michele happy too.”

She enrolled in Phoenix College to work on her dream. She found a job as an administrative assistant at the Salvation Army through the Celebrate Recovery program. Little did she know that the skills she learned there would prepare her for a position at Power Trade Media, a publisher of trade magazines.
“I mostly do administrative work but I’ve also got my foot in the door on the writing side of things. Our company produces an aviation newsletter where I get to do a little bit of editing, and interview pilots. It’s an exciting time for me, because it’s something I really want to do.”

Amid her success, there’s the Mission. She still keeps up with the friends she’s made in recovery and attends Alumni functions, including our camping trip a few months ago.

Today, she has her own apartment, she’s getting close to finishing her business degree, and things are looking bright indeed for Michele and her son. It’s truly amazing what God can do.

But it’s important to remember that stories like this don’t happen by accident. Without God’s grace and the prayers and support of friends like you, Michele’s could have been a very different story.

“This program saved my life. It saved my son’s life. With unconditional love, I was able to beat the odds and move forward.”

Thank you for the partnership that continues to make true transformation possible in the lives of the men and women we serve, and God bless!