|
My name is Lindsey Gaines. I came to the Mission In Citrus in September 2009.
I have dealt with an abusive controlling husband which forced me to leave with
my 17 month old son. After exhausting my friends as resources I had nowhere to
go. Jim took me in while I left my son with his grandparents. It broke my heart
to be away from my first child. The next day after being in the shelter, I had
FINALLY gotten a job. About this time there were a total of 20 people including
myself residing at the Mission. Everyone was very accommodating and friendly. I
was scared to death being 23 and homeless. Jim made me feel at home and told me
to relax and it’s going to take a few steps to get back on track. After three
weeks I asked if I could bring Jesse, my son, to the shelter with me. He said of
course. So there it went. I had my son, my broken down truck and living in
his laundry room. I was grateful to not have to live in a tent with my baby. I
am still grateful for the resources and help that I have received from Jim and
the Mission. I have met some WONDERFUL people that have been inspiring and
uplifting. Not only people that reside here but people that regularly volunteer
or stop by to donate food or support.
I was enrolled in the rapid re-housing program which put me into a house
January 1st 2010. Then after two weeks in the house, I lost my job.
So, rent and utilities are taken care of for three months however the issue was
how get a job while watching Jesse. I had to take him out of daycare due to not
being able to pay $100 a week.
Well Jim came to the rescue again! He hired me as the only paid employee at
the Mission to be the secretary. A bonus of working at the Mission is helping
other people adjust from having a place to live then entering into a shelter for
homeless. Also seeing them from jobless to getting a job and moving on from
homelessness with in weeks.
Now as we all know, this place really doesn’t have the money to hire full
time at anything more than $7.25 and hour. I was just GRATEFUL that Jim saved me
from being homeless AGAIN. The dozy is that my boyfriend was laid off from
roofing a few days before I started working at the Mission. Now we had to find a
job for him. In the meantime he turned out to be a professional Mr. Mom!
Jesse’s Grandparents (Nana and PapPaw) live in Winter Haven and LOVE to have
their grandson around. So PapPaw stopped by one day outta the blue and I offered
him to watch Jesse till I get my tax return, buy a better running vehicle and
I’ll pick him up. Well after three weeks I FINALLY got my check in and have been
searching three days for a inexpensive car deal. I am still working at the
Mission in Citrus a few hours a week and have found a part time cleaning job.
Paul amazingly found work in the roofing industry and the blessings are pouring
out! Thank you GOD!
So it’s time this weekend to pick up my little baby, hold, kiss and cuddle
him. I talk to him on the phone everyday and he is talking so well!
To get there I have to find a car and trade in my barely running ‘94 Honda
Passport. I looked for three days and found an alright deal. I came to Jim for
advice and was shown by evidence on Kelly Blue Book that I’m about to get ripped
off. I really am not looking for anything fancy. It needs to be safe and
reliable to bring my son to daycare, my boyfriend to work and make the distance
to my two jobs.
AHHHHH!!!! It’s so frustrating to think that I finally have a leg up on life
and great start and now I could lose Jesse’s daycare because we can’t make it
there, lose my cleaning job, because who would watch Jesse; and cut my hours at
the Mission or pay some one at the Mission to watch him. I prefer daycare for
learning purposes. He’s SO smart and potty trained at two years old! Jim is
helping now again to find a good vehicle.
I’d rather not get ripped off and get a little car to help us get savings so
we well NEVER be homeless again.
Now even at this point after I’ve moved on from the Mission, Jim has still
been there for my son, my boyfriend and I. I’m so proud to be apart of this
outfit. So many good people are homeless. Not by choice. Laid off. Eviction.
Etc. So when I read the derogatory, attacking, comments depreciating the value
of services and shelter that is provided for people, I was broken hearted and
astounded. At anytime any of the attackers of this place could be homeless. Jim
has his own way of managing the Mission, however God Runs It. If you think you
know what’s going on and make judgments over what you’re not sure about, it’s
time to make a visit.
We all have skeletons in our closets. God Forgives. Jesus died because he
knows humans aren’t perfect. So to all of those people spreading negative about
Jim or the shelter, get a mirror and take a look at your life. Are you so
perfect? How have you tried to help other people? Have you given up your life
and health concerns in exchange for the success of people on the down and
out?
And to all of you who are in constant support and faith in our Mission. Thank
you from the bottom of my heart and God Bless you. All I can do know is pray for
the lost, that God gives them eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to realize
what’s really happening here.
I’ll get along with my own personal struggles but at least they’re not issues
of cynical judgment.
Lindsey and Gator attend Gulf to Lake Church..I do not alter their
words..They can say it best...I am going to start each week featuring those who
helped us , by those who they helped. Their words..Their story..
Thank you all...
|