Success Stories
Here are just two of many success stories
Dave* had been a ward of Family and Children's Services since he was 11. He came from a hostile family environment. Dave was in and out of custody for much of his teen life, and then he went to jail as an adult. In prison he met God and when it was time to leave he was referred to Teen Challenge.
Dave came to us with tremendous risk factors such as substance abuse and theft. Over the last six months there were several points where he wanted to quit. Because he had spent so much time in institutions where his whole life was regulated, it was difficult for him to think for himself. Dave's sleep patterns were irregular and this lead to attendance issues.
Now Dave is coming to terms with making his own decisions and making good choices. He is looking after his own meals and nutrition. There has been a steady progression of growth over the seven months Dave was in the Morning Glory Employment training program. With a new sense of self-confidence, Dave was able to get a job after graduating in June 2003!
Julia* had been on and off assistance for her entire adult life. She did work sporadically but was never able to maintain employment. Julia has three kids but had no hope of getting visitation with her kids because of deplorable housing. She turned to alcohol to help her cope.
The Morning Glory staff supported Julia as she got off alcohol. They helped her work on her self-esteem, which was very low. Only then was she ready to look at her choices and improve her life.
Julia graduated in 2001 and has been employed since she left the program! At her current job she has received two or three raises and was given the coveted "full-time days". Best of all with a steady income she is able to rent a three bedroom apartment and have regular visitation with her kids.
* Names changed to respect privacy.
Ray of Hope is committed to investing in people in need and helping them escape poverty along with presenting Jesus Christ to them. With the right combination of private and government support, profit from sales, and wise fiscal management, we believe that the Morning Glory Employment Training Program can continue to have a lasting impact. The program is taking root and expanding this community's capacity to help people become financially self-sufficient. Thanks for having the vision to believe in and support this life-changing initiative!