My name is Kimberly Jones. My son, Joshua, and I were blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the Strong Beginnings Program. Honestly, the Rescue Mission couldn't have chosen a more appropriate name.

Just to give you a brief overview, my son and I lost our home and spent almost two years in motels. The emotional ups and downs we experienced in that environment were numerous; not to mention the social stigma my son was subjected to, as our home was the house frequented by all the kids in the neighborhood after school. This was a sudden and drastic change for my son, but a slow and steady decline for me. Losing our home was just one of the many circumstances that would befall us.

Although being suddenly homeless was one of the worst experiences my son and I have weathered together, it was a necessary part of God 's plan to bring me back to a place of dependence upon Him—trust and surrender. You see, I am a recovering addict and I believe God allowed the floor to fall out from beneath us at that point. Ironically, God never leaves us or forsakes us, and through a series of motel relocations, we ended up (or you might say we were led) at the Americana Motel in Anaheim.

It was there that God opened a door for us, which confirmed His word: truly “God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” We were accepted into this program, Strong Beginnings, and I began to work with my coach, Amy Dowlin.

How do I put into words what this program has meant to my son and I? Despite job loss, reduced hours, job lay-off, and numerous other setbacks, my coach, Amy, always lended her support, encouragement, guidance, resources, and most importantly, a spirit which never, and I mean never, conveyed condemnation or judgment. With a tender spirit, she helped me to stay focused, work through the obstactles and conquer the many barriers that laid between motel-living and a home for my son and I. The assistance was practical, timely, always useful and without a doubt, the most effective progarm in helping us back on our feet than any had to offer. We told our story to many and sought help through various avenues, but each time we were left with virtually the same reply, “Sorry, but we can't help you.”

Now, Josh and I have our own lovely home, a car, and God blessed me with a fantastic job. More importantly, now God has elevated us to a place where we can be a practical blessing to others, and through the humbling experiences that encompassed our journey for the past two years, we have increased in compassion and look for opportunities to bless others.

Our gratitude goes to the Resce Mission for their development of this program. There were many times through this program that God did exceedingly, abundantly above all we had asked or thought.

I marvel at how beautifully God can work in our lives if we let Him. For just as He allowed me to fall, His plan of restoration was already in place.

Thanks to all who support the work of the Orange County Rescue Mission and thereby lend hope and practical help that inevitably results in the kind of story you have just read.