On New Years Eve of 2001, in the aftermath of potential catastrophe, Nadine and her children found their way into a 6-month recovery program offered by the Sheepfold, a Christian shelter for abused and forsaken women and children. It was there that she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and it was there that she first heard about the Strong Beginnings Program at the Orange County Rescue Mission. But when Nadine found out that there was a 3-4 month wait to enter the program, she began to worry that her stay at the Sheepfold would end before something opened up at the Rescue Mission.

In June of 2002, an opportunity opened up for Nadine to enter the Strong Beginnings Program. A Case Manager was assigned to assist her and her family with food, clothing, education, job placement, housing resource information, and rent payment. Nadine was overcome with a sense of joy and awe over the way her life was being inundated with blessing. This past Christmas, three carloads of gifts arrived at a time when she had no way to provide for her children. She is particularly grateful for the dignity with which she was treated throughout her ordeal.

In January of this year, with the aid of first and last month's rent (among other things) provided by OCRM, the Hinostroza family moved into an apartment of their own. Nadine is now providing for her family working as a teacher's aid and is enjoying a faith in God she never before knew. She's learned, in the midst of trials, to persevere. Best of all, with a thankful heart for which she has no words, Nadine has experienced the unconditional love of God.