Akayla’s Family Finds Home For Christmas

Akayla’s connection to Muskegon Rescue Mission runs deep. As a little girl, she came to the Mission with her mother and four siblings whenever life became too difficult.

At the time, young Akayla didn’t understand the hardship her mom was carrying. “I liked it as a kid,” she remembers with a smile. “But now that I’m older, I see how much my mom struggled to keep us afloat.”

Years later, as an adult and a mother herself, Akayla found herself returning multiple times to Muskegon Rescue Mission, this time with her own children. Yet each time, she would leave and return to her old ways. It wasn’t until her recent stay that she realized the programs here were meant to help end the cycle of homelessness and escape poverty.

THIS PAST STAY, I TOOK THE PROGRAM VERY SERIOUSLY. I REALIZED IT WASN’T ABOUT MAKING ME COMFORTABLE, IT WAS ABOUT GIVING ME STRUCTURE AND DISCIPLINE TO SUCCEED.”

Akayla committed herself fully, embraced the structure, and leaned on staff for encouragement. “I was reminded I wasn’t alone, especially when everything seemed so overwhelming,” she says.

By taking these steps, and keeping her children at the center of every decision, Akayla built the stability she needed to move forward in life.

That determination paid off. In May of last year, Akayla and her family moved into a safe, affordable home of their own. “Oh, my goodness,” she says with joy.

“WHEN WE GOT OUR HOME, I KISSED THE FLOOR AND PRAYED OVER IT. EVERY DAY FELT LIKE A HOLIDAY.”

Now, Akayla is giving back to the Mission that once gave her so much. She volunteers her time and encourages others who are walking the same road she once traveled. “I just want to give back, because they helped me,” she shares.

Most of all, Akayla is thankful for her family, her faith, and those who give to Muskegon Rescue Mission. “I just want to say thank you to the donors. You really are changing lives. You changed mine!”

This Christmas, Akayla is celebrating with her children in the safety of their own home, rejoicing in God’s goodness and looking ahead with hope.

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