Success Story

“Madonna House not only provided me with shelter, they gave me hope for the future.”

I moved to Decatur, Illinois, in July of 2005 because my fiancé got offered a better paying job. My two boys, age 4 and 10 and fiancé moved into a beautiful yellow two bedroom home. For the first time, I had a huge fenced in backyard, a garage, and a basketball court for my boys. I felt good and our lives were going good.

In the end of August, I was sick everyday. I just felt like I couldn’t get enough rest. Something wasn’t right. One day when the boys were in school, I went to the store. Suddenly I woke up and was on the floor. I was rushed to the E.R. After running several test they told me I was dehydrated, low in iron, and that I was pregnant. The hospital estimated that I was five weeks pregnant. I felt like it was the end.

Here I am with two boys with no one, not even a mother to call. My fiancé worked 9am-10pm, Monday through Saturday. How could he be here to help me when I was sick and on bed rest? I felt mentally, physically, and emotionally lost. What was I going to do? As days went on, things kept getting worse. More visits to the ER and long waits. I needed my fiancé home more. He began leaving work to help me and by November we were behind on rent, and almost every bill. Eviction was in the waiting. We began talking about moving, but I knew that staying with my family was option. They had no room, and I didn’t’ want to inconvenience anyone.

My next thought was Madonna House. I explained to him what it was and his first reaction was NO. Then I explained to him how it worked, and that I stayed there before when I was 20 years old. I told him how great the program was and there would be someone to help me in many different ways. My fiancé needed time to think, and after several days he said it was okay.

I called Madonna House, and in shock, they told me they had enough room. I said I would be there in a week. I packed three tubs of clothes and was at Madonna House by the end of November.

The staff made me feel great, anytime I needed to talk, someone was there. Shortly after being at Madonna House, I started smiling again. I was feeling relief of emotional and physical stress. In January, I found a home. I left Madonna House with my head held high, but with tears rolling down my face. I felt I left my new family.

Madonna House not only provided me with shelter, they gave me hope for the future. They provided me with love and support and many more things. If I ever became in the same situation this would be the first place I would come. I have told a lot of people about Madonna House, and they shouldn’t be afraid if they need shelter. It is a great place. You become a family and meet ladies that are in the same situation and you support each other.

I have been through a lot in my life and I always have enjoyed helping others. This makes me feel great. In March 2006, I found a job at Amateur sports and had my third child in May. In Jan 2008, I started working at Madonna House. I always thought about working here and helping others like me. Miracles do happen, if you believe and want them bad enough.