Every few months, we take the time to recognize our graduates from our long-term 12-month New Life Recovery Programs at Shepherd’s Door, for women and children, or The Harbor, for men. This is always a time of celebration as we commemorate their achievements and acknowledge the work they have put in to get to where they are now.
Recently, we celebrated the graduation of two strong women, Catina and Tami, from our Shepherd’s Door New Life Recovery program. These women have persevered through many challenges as they developed the tools to make a total life change. They each took a moment to reflect on the struggles that brought them to Shepherd’s door, and the change that they have experienced here.
Catina grew up in a home wracked with abuse and alcoholism that she described as a “living nightmare.” Drugs, for her, were a way to escape reality. Later on in life, Catina experienced a heartbreaking personal tragedy, and fell into a deep depression. “I started taking medications in anxiety, sleep, anything that would take away the pain. My marriage was falling apart and I was slowly dying inside,” she said. “I was broken, torn and shattered.”
Catina came to Shepherd’s Door a little more than a year ago, and now she’ll tell you, “I have hope and peace. I finally have been really set free from addiction and pains in my past. I am learning to love myself again and to live one day at a time.”
Tami shared her testimony as well. “Before arriving at Shepherd’s Door, I was completely broken and afraid. I was depressed and full of fear, I took pills and pushed away every good thing in my life. I had lost everything that I worked so hard for and lost all hope for any sort of future,” she remembered. “I’m so thankful to the donors who so generously give so that we can be drenched in the word of God and focus on nothing but our relationship with Him and a full recovery. Thank you, you have changed my life. My chains are gone. I’ve been set free.”
Thank you for making New Life possible for Catina, Tami and so many others. If you or someone you know is seeking freedom from addiction, a rich relationship with God, and a group of women to walk this journey with, please call our Intake line at 503-746-9743.