A New Chapter of Hope

Even with all this loss, Dawn built a long career—22 years with the VA—before retiring. But retirement meant less income, and staying with her children brought new heartbreak as old wounds surfaced. Rejected and overwhelmed, she drove her truck “out in the boonies” intending to “handle things,” ready to give up. That’s when God stepped in through a phone call—her daughter’s employers knew about Gospel Rescue Mission and helped her get in, even after hours. 

“I know He sent me here because I was at the point of not being here anymore,” Dawn says. “I believe He brought me here.” 

At first, being at the Mission was “overwhelming.” She worried she was “taking somebody’s place” because she doesn’t struggle with drugs or alcohol. But slowly, God has been using this season to heal and reshape her. 

“Overall, I feel safe here, and my mind is starting to relax.” 

She’s gotten medical and dental insurance, is actively looking for work, and is learning new skills through classes like Emotional Intelligence, which teaches her “how to speak to people and read body language.” She’s already passing that hope on, encouraging a new guest who has lived on the streets: 

“I just try to be a shoulder to lean on.” 

Through trials and tribulations, Dawn holds on to a simple declaration of faith and hope: 

“I just tell myself that this is temporary… While I’m here, there’s no reason for me not to take all the opportunities that they offer.” 

She believes God brought her to Gospel Rescue Mission not just to survive, but to become more understanding, more compassionate, and to one day be restored with her children.