A Love Story – Grand Haven, Michigan
Terri came to Love INC of Grand Haven, Michigan, feeling alone and hopeless. Her husband had left her alone with two children, the youngest of whom had autism. She worked full-time as a paraprofessional, but could no longer afford the apartment they were living in and had been evicted.
Love INC invited Terri and her children to become a part of the Love INC Homes of Hope program, which provides transitional housing in homes sponsored by local churches. "Through this ministry, Love INC and the partnering church surround the family and walk beside them in every aspect of their lives," said Eric Morgan, Love INC executive director. "The family commits to attend Love INC life skills classes and all appropriate functions of the partnering church."
Terri was amazed and grateful that something like this existed for her, but she still felt down and unworthy when she first moved into the house provided through Homes of Hope. "Love INC and the people from the church surrounded me and little miracles just kept happening. All of a sudden it didn't hurt so bad anymore."
A turning point came for Terri at Christmas when caring Christians provided gifts not only for her children, but for her as well. "They swallowed me up with love and made me feel worthy," she recalled. "They told me that this kind of stuff happens to people, but that you can turn it around. It feels so good to have someone in your corner."
Terri began to regain the hope she had lost. "Love INC showed me that there are people in this world who do things just because they care. They have shown me a kind of love I had never seen before, and I want to be a part of that forever." And she will. Shortly after Christmas, Terri bowed her head and invited Jesus Christ to be her Savior and Lord.
Terri continues to work hard to regain financial control in her life. Through Love INC's Homes of Hope and budget counseling programs she is supported and remains accountable to those who are helping her. She looks forward to becoming independent and vows that she will be a part of giving back to Love INC someday. "I want to be a shining light for someone else who is going through the same struggles that I did."