When Cassie came to Shepherd’s Door, our transformative New Life Ministry for women and women with children, she was broken and in deep despair. Crippled by years of abuse combined with her addiction, Cassie considered herself a functioning addict and alcoholic. She was in complete denial about her desperation.

“My motto was I could do it myself – I don’t need any,” expressed Cassie. “My life was miserable.” Having found herself in an abusive marriage, walking on eggshells daily, Cassie trusted no one. She chased happiness, trying to capture a feeling of contentment with each next drink or high, and she spiraled out of control.

She stayed in her relationship, not thinking she had any hope. One day, in the pit of her despair, she dropped to her knees on the kitchen floor and begged God to save her and save her kids.  “I remember crying out: God, please save me from myself. Save my kids and take them to safety,” she recalled. “I had rejected Him all these years, but He met me right where I was at. In the depths of my addiction, He comforted me.”

Cassie was accepted into the Shepherd’s Door program shortly after this revelation. Through the guidance of the staff and volunteers at Shepherd’s Door, she began to take accountability for healing from generational harm.

“Shepherd’s Door is a healing oasis for women,” Cassie declared. “Women who enter this place find committed people full of grace and love.”

We are pleased to share that Cassie recently graduated from the New Life Program. Like so many in our community, her struggles and revelations were real, and her accomplishments over the last year have been remarkable. We all need safety, community, and, most importantly, hope.