Sloane – 2014 Graduate

I was emotionally and sexually abused by a family member for 11 years. The trauma from my parents’ divorce led me to a food addiction at age three. Growing up, I gained a lot of weight and was made fun of for it, even in my own family. When I was nine, my stepsister suffered a severe brain injury, and I had to help take care of her. This responsibility made me grow up pretty fast. I started to self-harm in seventh grade, and I went to my first mental hospital for wanting to commit suicide.

Over the next few years, I became more depressed and engaged in self-harm more and more. I finally found Mercy in November of 2012. I went to a women’s conference with a friend, and by God’s grace there was a former staff member from Mercy there who talked about the ministry. I had no hope, and Mercy was a glimmer of light for me. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to apply. After months of being on the waiting list, I finally arrived at Mercy. I felt like it was a dream.

While at Mercy, God has shown me that I am worthy of being his daughter. I learned that I am beautiful. I learned that life isn’t all about weight or food or how I look. I learned what boundaries are and how to set them, and I learned I can kick the devil’s butt!

I plan on going back home and finishing high school online. I hope to get a job and learn how to drive. I would like to go college for photography, modeling or nursing. Thank you so much for giving me this chance to come to Mercy. Without you, I wouldn’t be here today.