Kittie – 2014 Graduate

My mother was a drug addict and left when I was three. I rarely saw her. My father was an alcoholic, and I took on the responsibility of caring for my dad at a young age. When he fell into a deep depression and started drinking more, I blamed myself. At age 13, I found release from all the pain of my childhood through drugs and alcohol.

My cousin told me about Mercy when my battle with heroine was just beginning. Three years later, I was arrested for a felony and went to jail for six months. When I got out, I started using drugs again and soon found myself in a very abusive relationship. When the man I was with was sent to prison, I took a good look at my life and realized I was ready for a change.

When I arrived at Mercy, I hated myself. I was disgusted with the person I had become and the life that I allowed myself to live for so long. I carried a lot of guilt and shame. I didn’t know how to interact with people and felt very inferior.

Through Mercy, I learned about God’s grace. I learned to forgive myself, let go of my co-dependent relationships, and establish a relationship with God. Mercy has given me another chance at life. I found my true self here and learned to love myself. I was able to break free from the shame of my past and be the person God created me to be. I now have a future I never thought I was worthy of.

After Mercy, I plan to work with Teen Challenge and do inner city ministry and motivational speaking. I plan to share my story with more hurting people and be a light everywhere I go. My life is in God’s hands now, and I’m willing and ready to go wherever He takes me.

I had absolutely no hope, and now God is number one in my life because of all the hard work that is put into Mercy Multiplied. The impact Mercy is having on the young women of my generation is astounding. Because of generous and obedient donors and the work God was able to do in me at Mercy, I have been given a second chance at life. Thank you!