Jennifer
Garrison, NY
2011
As a little girl, Jennifer’s home life was marked by chaos.
Her dad’s alcoholism sowed seeds of fear and rejection in Jennifer’s heart. Over time, his uncontrolled anger led to emotional and physical abuse. Jennifer’s mom suffered from mental health challenges, preventing her from giving Jennifer security—or protecting her little girl from abuse.
Without acceptance in her family, Jennifer looked for it at school. She’d do anything to be liked, to the point of trying cocaine and ecstasy in high school. The pattern of instability continued through early adulthood, even after being clean for a period of time during her military training.
Life spiraled further out of control when Jennifer tried heroin. “It took me to places I never thought I would go,” she expresses.
Jennifer’s on-and-off addiction turned into complete enslavement and prostitution to support her drug use. It also exposed Jennifer to horrific traumas, rape and jail time.
In her lowest moment, God reached out in the most unexpected way. Someone her dad works with told him about Hoving Home.
Over 12 years ago, Jennifer walked through our doors … grateful to be in a place called “home.” God transformed her heart as she learned about Jesus’ love.
“I don’t want people to think as soon as you accept Christ, all of your problems are gone,” Jennifer adds. “But I had a safe place to legitimately heal, learn about God, and get connected.”
After completing our program and serving as an intern for a year, Jennifer went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from a Christian college. She met a wonderful Christ-following man and they now have three beautiful children.
Life hasn’t been without difficulties, but thanks to God’s work in her life, Jennifer knows how to move through challenges with faith.
Jennifer also shares the truth and skills she’s learned with others as a case manager — and a good neighbor. Whether she’s meeting people in the city where she lives who are struggling with substance abuse or supporting clients at work, Jennifer shares her knowledge to help others.
“I’ve gone on to do more things than I would have ever been able to do if I stayed in my addiction,” Jennifer express. “God wants to use us, and we have the skills and abilities to be used by Him.”
Jennifer is living proof of God’s plan to redeem lives and put them on a path of making a difference for Christ. He’s turned Jennifer’s past of pain and brokenness into a ministry of hope and healing.
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