As a young girl, Patty had an absent father and a mother with a cognitive disability. She was raised mostly by her grandmother, who told her a devastating lie — that she was born of rape.

Though she later found out it wasn’t true, the damage was done. Patty grew up believing her life was a mistake and that she wasn’t wanted.

The damage of living those lies took hold of Patty when she was only 14 years old — she started using drugs to numb the pain. But when her first daughter was born, everything changed.

Determined to be a good mom, she forgave her father and walked away from her life as a functional addict. Patty stayed sober for seven years. She worked hard, secured housing, and gave her daughters a stable life … until it all fell apart.

When Patty’s cousin passed away, the frailty and instability of her life couldn’t withstand the grief. She felt like she needed to numb the pain, and her addiction resurfaced. She lost their home, and their family began motel hopping.

“There were moments I didn’t have enough for a room and didn’t know what to do,” Patty remembers. “I just wanted my kids to be safe.”

That’s when your generosity changed everything.

Because of you, Patty and her daughters were able to come to the Rescue Mission and begin rebuilding their lives. Today, both of Patty’s daughters are thriving and caught up in school. The entire family is receiving therapy and support.

Patty earned her high school diploma and was valedictorian of her Tustin Adult School class. Then, she completed her CNA certification and the Career Launch Workshop. Now, Patty has started her search for employment!

“There’s a different future now,” she says. “Thank you for helping me. I don’t know where my life would be if you didn’t have a heart to help!”