In the depths of her depression, the kindness of friends like you turned things around.
Kelly’s relationship with her mom was one for the ages. “She was my best friend,” Kelly says. “I loved her very much. We were so close.”
When her mother’s health began declining several years ago, Kelly was right at her side. “I would come home from work and take care of her,” she explains. “I’d make sure she took her meds. I’d feed her, bathe her, help her get dressed. I took care of her all the way to the end.”
The end came in August 2021, due to a heart attack. “It hurts,” she says, “but I know she’s in heaven. I know she’s not suffering anymore.” Her mom’s suffering had ended. But Kelly’s was just beginning.
Hitting rock bottom
“I hit rock bottom when my mom died,” she remembers. “I got depressed.” Worse, her brother and his aunt who lived in the same apartment began to turn on her, with physical and verbal abuse. Kelly left because “it wasn’t safe for me there anymore.”
Kelly was worried she might have to sleep on the streets, but it never came to that. Thanks to the loving support of friends like you, she eventually found her way to The Bowery Mission. She walked through our Red Doors and almost immediately felt a sense of peace, of hope. “I feel safe here,” she says. “I feel at home.”
Kelly was soon in the Mission’s Residential Program, where she’s making progress toward her goal of living independently again. “This program helps me a whole lot,” she shares. “My life is easier. I’m working. I’m doing my chores. I’ve been going to chapel and Bible study. And I’ve made a lot of friends.”
Kelly (2nd from left) with The Bowery Mission staff, receiving the “Fostering Community Award” at our Residential Program Graduation. The award honors people who regularly display acts of kindness and service towards others.
She has continued her part-time job with the NYPD as a school crossing guard, a position she’s held for 14 years. She hopes to find a second job so she can buy some furniture and a TV, in preparation for moving into her own place. Kelly is also thankful that The Bowery Mission arranged for her to get into a speech therapy program.
Grateful & blessed
This Thanksgiving season, Kelly and her family are grateful that she is in a safe place. “I’m blessed,” she says. “I thank God I have a roof over my head, and I’m glad I’m not on the streets.”
Her favorite Scripture is Psalm 23, particularly the part about how God protected David in “the valley of the shadow of death.” “I feel like I’ve walked through the valley,” Kelly shares. “I know God is my Father, Jesus is my brother, and the Holy Ghost is my keeper and my comforter.”
“I’m thankful for The Bowery Mission caring for me. And I’m thankful to the supporters for keeping the doors open for me and for others.” — Kelly
You can help others find a fresh start and hope
Your support helps give people like Kelly the opportunity to stand on their feet again and to flourish. Thank you for your compassion that makes the life-changing work of The Bowery Mission possible!