My
name is Darla Robertson.  I’ve been disabled since 2003.  I am a widow; my
husband, Charles, passed away in 2001.  He had 2 boys, Donnie and David.  I was
living in Bartow, Florida.  After Charles passed, it devastated me; I was in and
out of mental institutions.  Seemed like every time I was getting better,
something else would strike and I’d be back in that place I didn’t want to go
any more.  I haven’t heard from my stepsons since this.

Eventually, I started dating; his name
was Michael.  We moved to Ocala.  I started having problems, such as hearing
voices, depression and suicidal thoughts; Michael left me.  I stayed at The
Centers for 15 days.  After The Centers, I stayed at the Salvation Army in Ocala
for 1 year.  A few of us from the Sally got a place.  It didn’t last long.  I
ended back at The Centers.  I stayed again 2 weeks.  When they released me, the
only place I could find was The Mission in Citrus.  I’ve been here 4 months
now.

This past week, Rhonda and B. are
looking for a roommate to share a house and they choose me; because me and
Rhonda have been through basically the same situations and we became very
close.  Within 2-3 weeks, the three of us should be in our own home.  If it
wasn’t for The Mission, I feel in my heart I would definitely be lost, if not
dead.  These people made me feel special and wanted and have formed such a
special bond.  They will always be my family, every one of them.  Jim
especially, he gave me strength and praise that I can do it and I did
it.

Thank you every one at The Mission.  I
couldn’t do it without you.  Your hearts are so big and your guidance makes me
hold my head up high.