You helped transform her life!

Inflation. It hits everyone. You see it on the news, and you see it hit your wallet. We all tighten the proverbial belt and do what we need to do to keep our finances in order.

In Melinda’s case, it went further. She is among the many in our area who lost her home to rising rent costs. As a working mom of a three-year-old daughter, money was tight. With no savings for a new place, she was left homeless. A friend suggested MorningStar Mission, which Melinda accepted as the best option. “Coming to MorningStar Mission was both an easy and hard decision,” Melinda says. “I lived in a shelter before so I knew what to expect, but at the same time, it was a hard reality check to be back at a shelter again.

This time with a child.” Melinda began the two-year program where she learned how to budget her money, save for the future and to rebuild her credit. “I also began attending church,” she says. “I started focusing on God and learning to rely on Him. I used to rely on others, but now, I lean on God for everything.” As Melinda trusted God to lead her, doors began to open for her. “I began to take the program seriously and focus on what was best for me and my daughter. MorningStar helped me prepare me for real-life problems, bills and living on my own,” she says. “When I graduated, I hugged my daughter and rang the bell! It was a beautiful moment!”

“Everything you send is so appreciated and it all goes to good use. Thank you!”

Today, Melinda lives in her own apartment where she enjoys cooking and starting new traditions. “This Christmas will be very special for us,” she explains. “We will celebrate Jesus’ birth and are signing up to be a possible family chosen for the Stars of Hope gift program. A special Christmas gift would absolutely brighten my daughter’s day!”

As her new life begins, Melinda is grateful for your support. “To think of the kindness it takes for you to give to MorningStar overwhelms me. Everything you send is so appreciated and it all goes to good use. Thank you!”