“I was always trying to convince myself that somebody loved me…”
Julia grew up in a motherless home with a single dad who was a stern disciplinarian.
“There was a lot of corporal punishment,” she says. “My dad’s anger always got the best of him.”
One day, at 14, Julia decided, “That’s the last time he’s going to beat me.”
So she ran away … and spent most of the next 20-plus years on the streets.
She had two children while still very young, but never settled down for family life. But about five years ago, she met a man who was more caring, and things started looking up.
They had a son, Bruce. They got engaged, and Julia dared to feel hope for the first time in a long time. But two years ago, her fiancé died of an overdose, leaving her alone with a 2-year-old.
Then one day it hit her: I’ve got to get my act together for Bruce. He can’t lose another parent.
So Julia checked herself into a rehab center that allowed moms to bring their children. Nine months later, clean and sober, she left, but had no place to go.
Someone suggested Buffalo City Mission, and thanks to your support, we were ready and waiting.
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to have a place to feel safe and secure, so I can learn and grow.”
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