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City of Refuge
For twenty years, Amanda struggled with addiction, a period she describes as “complete darkness.” In that time, she lost her parents and custody of her daughters. Her “slap in the face” came when her two oldest children confronted her, prompting her to seek help.
After a year-long treatment, Amanda wasn't ready to live independently. She learned about City of Refuge from a teacher at her treatment facility. Initially hesitant to move onto City of Refuge’s campus, she trusted in a higher plan. “God was like, ‘Nope. This is where you’re supposed to go. Just trust me,’” she said. This leap of faith led her to City of Refuge, a decision she says she “wouldn’t change for the world.”
In June 2022, Amanda and her six-month-old twin boys moved into Eden Village, City of Refuge’s on-campus housing program. Over the next year, she maintained sobriety (she’s now three years sober), built up her savings, cleared her warrant, regained her driver’s license, received a car, and secured a stable job. “City of Refuge has blessed me beyond measure,” she reflects. CoR’s holistic services, including the free preschool, counseling, and peer support, played a crucial role in her recovery.
When her application for an apartment was initially rejected, Malika Washington, the Assistant Director of Housing at City of Refuge, helped her get accepted. At the beginning of 2024, Amanda and her boys moved into their own home. “They love it,” she said. “This is new to all three of us.”
Amanda’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of support and community. To the City of Refuge donors, she offers heartfelt thanks. “They’re a Godsend. They've truly blessed so many lives that they're probably not even aware of. Thank you.”
Help us bring more light, hope, and transformation to amazing people like Amanda. The Circle of Children is part of a movement of individuals who support City of Refuge on a consistent basis and receive exclusive monthly updates.
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