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Melissa had been prescribed ADHD medication for years, until her doctor stopped prescribing it following one of her pregnancies, and her life began to unravel. “I was already surrounded by drug users,” she remembers, “that seemed like the next feasible thing.” 

As addiction took hold, Melissa lost her housing and began cycling through hotels and nights in her car with her three young sons. “I tried to make it as fun as possible. I would drive at night so they wouldn’t know they were sleeping in the car.” Eventually, missed court dates led to a warrant, arrest, and her children entering DCS care. 

Determined to reunite her family, Melissa turned to your Evansville Rescue Mission. “They told me I could get my kids back faster if I found somewhere stable to live… so I applied, and I came here.” As she settled in, her feelings of being overwhelmed turned to hope.   

“It didn’t just feel like shelter, it felt like a community.” 

Life at your Evansville Rescue Mission brought something Melissa had never expected: structure. “There’s routine and accountability here, and I rely on that now.”  

Within weeks, she saw real progress in reuniting her family. “I got here May 22 and I got my kids back fully July 2.” 

Today, Melissa sees herself differently. “Before coming to the Evansville Rescue Mission, I was struggling. Life was chaotic and I was using drugs to push my feelings down. Since coming to the Evansville Rescue Mission, I’m living in peace with myself.” 

Looking to the future, Melissa feels confident and at peace as a mother who is building a life for herself and her children surrounded by an encouraging community. “They reminded me that I am a good mother… and that I can rely on God.” 

Because of you, Melissa is experiencing Thanksgiving in a whole new way this year… with a fresh perspective on life and a heart of gratitude. “It has been a complete 180 coming here… we have hope again, and I know that my children and my life matter.”

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