We had the privilege of hearing testimony from two women from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless during one of our classes. These women, Mary and Lee Ann, were brave to share their real life stories with us regarding their struggles and survival of being homeless.
I could relate the most with Mary because she was also a product of the DCFS system like myself. During her testimony, I felt like I relived her pain in being alone and having no support system. We all have different coping mechanisms and unfortunately Mary turned to drugs to help her deal with the emptiness that comes with living in group homes and shelters. She shared my sentiments in that the DCFS lacks in preparing youth for real life. They failed to teach us basic survival skills, some that are essential in being independent, like knowing how to open a checking account, how to budget, and cook. Mary's drug use caused her to shift her priorities rather than focus that energy unto taking care of her young children. While she did use some services that the government provides to wards of the state, she got caught in the trap of drug use and her homelessness situation spiraled out of control. Having a support system is critical to our survival, without it we become lost. I am glad to hear Mary's silver lining, that she was able to find support and stability through the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless in terms of shelter and employment.
Lee Ann also struggled with homelessness as a teenager and into her adulthood. She also turned to drugs to self-soothe after being sexually abused. Through that experience she learned to use her body to benefit her in earning cash to provide for her own basic needs which were not being met at home. She became a prostitute and skipped on getting a high school diploma. After years of soul searching and gaining street knowledge and coming to terms that she cannot live this lifestyle anyone, Lee Ann gave her life to the Lord and accepted his plan for her life. She is able to inspire change in people, letting them know that our past does not define who we are. No matter how low to the ground we get, how disgusting we might be in the eyes of society, there is hope, mercy and grace for all of us. I'm also glad that the Coalition was able to help Lee Ann become an advocate for those who just need a second chance. I hope that God continues to put these two women across the paths of those who need to hear the good news.
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