Wendy’s Story
Happy and confident, Wendy came back to visit the Mission and share her story with us. We sat in the atrium together where Wendy was able to say hello to dear friends.
“I was raised to be a nice person,” Wendy remembered. Growing up, Wendy and her mother volunteered at God’s Kitchen and served at the Thanksgiving Community Meal. They even brought toys to Mel Trotter Ministries. She never thought she would end up being the one who was served.
Wendy has been sober since 2000, but her lack of sobriety wasn’t the cause of her homelessness.
After having major surgery in 2017, she found herself living with a man that verbally abused her. As soon as the abuse turned physical, she left to stay with her friend and then came to Mel Trotter Ministries. “I’m not letting people run over me,” she shared.
While staying in emergency shelter, she found out about the Restoration Programs. In those classes, she was able to learn about healthy boundaries and relationships. She’s so proud to say that she has her 19-year-old daughter back her in life. “Every day she calls me and says ‘Hello, beautiful,’ and I say back ‘Hello, beautiful.’ We build each other up and respect each other.”
“But sometimes my plans are not God’s plans,” said Sidney. “After becoming a Christian years ago and volunteering at several places, I developed a passion and felt I was led to help people in need. But later I found myself in need. My calling to help those in need was reaffirmed after witnessing the level of care and compassion I received at Mel Trotter Ministries.”
Wendy struggled with many health complications while she was here, but she trusted in God to bring her through it. Through tears she shared, “I know that God’s there with me…My big thing was to be able to walk again. I left the hospital in a wheelchair and I asked ‘God am I going to be able to walk’? and look at me – I can walk! I’m in regular shoes and it’s so amazing. It’s God’s doing.”
She made many friends staying at Mel Trotter and because of her sobriety, she was able to support the women in the Step-Up Recovery Program. They helped her through tough moments too.
“I guess they thought I was worthy to go.”
The compassion of Christ that Wendy felt at Mel Trotter made her feel loved and valued. “I couldn’t believe that I walked down the halls and the CEO would say ‘Hi, Wendy.’ And I was invited to events like Season of Hope and another event at a church. I guess they thought I was worthy to go.”
Wendy attended the formal event put on by the ministry team and partner churches as a finale to their devotion series. Guests were able to get their hair and make-up done and pick out formal attire for the event.
“I’m thankful for everything they’ve done for me. I’m glad that I’m welcome here anytime,” Wendy said.
With a little support, hard work, and trust in God’s timing, Wendy was able to find a place to call her own.
Wendy plans to stay connected to Mel Trotter. She’s grateful for the friends she’s made and especially the renewed relationship with her daughter.
“I don’t take anything for granted – whatever I get or have earned or God has given to me. I’m thankful for everything and that I have friends and support.”
Last updated February 2020.
