Finding Freedom

It had been a long journey for Julie.  At the age of 45, standing in front of the Jobs for Life class on graduation day, she was finally starting to see her life in a new light.  Growing up had been difficult.  Surrounded by abusive relationships that stemmed from childhood into her adult life, she often felt alone and with little self-worth.

“I was a believer – a believer in God, but not myself.  I actually thought I was put on this earth to bear pain,” remembers Julie.  “The constant physical and emotional abuse took a toll on me and I felt I would never be free.”

Without Julie knowing it, the day she stepped foot in the Center to take a computer class was the beginning of her transformation.  As weeks went by, she became more acquainted with the volunteers and eventually met a life coach named Laura.

Laura encouraged Julie to take the Jobs for Life class and as she attended class, Laura worked with Julie to overcome the many roadblocks she had in her life.  Through the relationships she had formed, she could feel that her confidence was growing and that she did have a purpose.

And now, Julie stood in front of her fellow classmates ready to accept her graduation certificate.  After taking a deep breath, Julie faced her class and confidently said, “These past months have changed my life dramatically and I will never be the same.  I have found that I do have value and that God loves me and can use me.  I will spend the rest of my life working toward my goal of helping others.”

Julie went on to college and never had to come back to Center of Hope for help.  She had finally found her freedom!

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” PSALM 118:5