A Path Toward Restoration
Ronalee was born into a home that set the gold standard from the outside. Inside, however, the story was quite different. Between an absent father, a mother lost in alcoholism, and a step-father selling drugs, Ronalee did all that she could to keep herself together and move forward through the brokenness.
Despite her attempts, Ronalee struggled to find her own footing. When she was 14 years old, Ronalee found out she was pregnant. By the time she was 17, she had given birth to three children. Then Ronalee developed a relationship which grew tumultuous and ended poorly. During this relationship, Ronalee became pregnant again but sadly lost the baby due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
“I knew there was nothing more I could do when the baby died, but I still turned to drugs for comfort,” says Ronalee. “I got addicted to cocaine and marijuana for a while.”
In May of 2020, Ronalee was arrested for selling narcotics and sentenced to drug court. After failing drug court, Ronalee spent time in jail and from there she was referred to Open Door Mission’s New Life Recovery program.
“When my kids and I first arrived, we were very cautious, and I personally did not see a purpose for being here,” says Ronalee. “But then I started to hear testimonies and success stories and I knew I wanted in.”
This newfound desire for change has set her on the path toward restoration. Ronalee has been able to develop as an individual and as a mother through her time as a student in the New Life Recovery Program.
“Open Door Mission and its staff have blessed me through helping with my children while I find help for myself,” says Ronalee. “The staff here love my kids as if they were their own.”
As Ronalee continues through the New Life Recovery Program this summer, her children will have the opportunity to take part in Kids to Kamp, which is a program hosted by the Lydia House. This initiative serves school-aged kids with daily activities, field trips, and mentorship by Open Door Mission staff members. It’s a great way for Ronalee’s children to have a healthy avenue of constructive recreation and learning while she continues her journey toward recovery.
With her sights set on parenting, graduating from the program, pursuing her education, and advocating for teen moms, Ronalee is humbled and grateful for Open Door Mission and those who have provided this opportunity.
“When you give here,” says Ronalee, “whether you know it or not, you are making a big difference in the lives of every family here that are just like mine.”
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. -Psalm 23:4
