Changing Two Generations at One Time: Carissa’s Story
From the outside looking in, Carissa’s life looked ideal. She, her mom, and sisters lived with a man who made everyone think he had it all together. For five years, they looked picture-perfect, but life was very different. In reality, Carissa spent weekends out of the house to escape the abusive environment she called “home.” Life was anything but picture-perfect.
“I remember my mom was stuck between ‘Do I want people to see my great life, or do I actually want to have a good life?’”
Carissa’s mom made the decision to leave. She chose to have a good life.
Life Was About to Change
For three months, Carissa and her family all slept in one bedroom at her aunt’s house. It was a relief to be out of a toxic environment, but they still lacked stability. Constantly in prayer about their next steps, God opened the door to Shepherd’s Village.
“The moment we stepped through the door at Shepherd’s Village, I had full confidence in myself and in my mom that we were never going to be the victims of abuse again. I was safe. I was loved. I was cared for. I was fed and clothed. I was happy. I was finally able to be just a 14-year-old girl.”
The Family Dynamic Shifted
Shortly after moving into Shepherd’s Village, Carissa’s mother immersed herself in our life-changing resources, where she gained an instant community of single mothers to connect with through meetings, mentorship, and Bible studies. She even began college! At the time, this new life looked overwhelming to Carissa. But she now realizes that her mom put in the work to change their future and become the best version of herself.
“She rallied around moms who in turn did the same for her. She, with the work of God, mentors, and other moms, created a family between the four of us that was no longer about facing a crisis together but raising up a group of women who are strong, courageous, loving, honoring to God, caring, ambitious, hard-working, gracious, and encouraging.”
Through her mother’s example, Carissa learned what it means to be a woman. She understands firsthand that we come face-to-face with hard choices. And sometimes we make the wrong choice. But it’s how we change, grow, adapt, and learn from our mistakes that ultimately define who we are.
“Choose to pray with all your might and trust in the Lord with all you have. Being a woman to me means honoring God. Loving others before you love yourself. To give of your time, effort, and kindness. I have learned that there is no better encouragement than from a woman who knows you can do it! And that’s what I strive to give.”
The Future is Bright
Many women come to Shepherd’s Village feeling scared, alone, and broken. When all the dust settles and a single mom is able to rebuild her life, she finds hope, confidence, and support within our walls. But the resources we provide at Shepherd’s Village go far beyond one person; they extend to the entire family as we strive to change two generations at one time.
Carissa is the perfect example of how Shepherd’s Village offered housing but also life-changing resources that gave her the ability to face her future with confidence. That is an impact that will long outlive us.
*Update: Carissa is now a loving, encouraging wife. She and her husband walk faithfully in God’s plan as he finishes nursing school, and she establishes her own wedding and event planning company. Carissa has a passion for marriage and the legacy two people can create together.*
Connect with our community. Enroll in our free, online curriculum through Shepherd’s Village University. Subscribe to our podcast, “It’s A Single Mom Thing.” Let us pray for you. All of these resources are at your fingertips. Help is here, Mama!