Success Stories

This is a new feature on the URM website. We want to periodically share stories about Mission successes with you. We are so proud of these courageous men and women and what they accomplish in such a short time. Our programs don’t make them forget their pasts, but it is only the beginning of healing, recovery, and forgiveness. Please rejoice with us in their heartfelt and triumphant testimonies.

“She lost her job, had a failed relationship, and her 17-year-old son was facing charges that could cost him 40 years of his young life. After her next terror-filled relationship, she had only one thing to do…”

Meet Tara…

“Peace. Be Still.”

I have always heard the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” I had experienced it in the past, but I was in no way ready for the thunderstorm that came roaring into my life.

I was living in a three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse with my then 17-year-old son Malcolm and 13-year-old daughter Maya. My son was a senior in high school and preparing to graduate and go into the Army Reserve and Maya was preparing to lay around all day by the pool with her friends. I had been in a 7-year relationship with someone I had given my heart and soul to (my first mistake not putting God first); and just out of the blue, it was over. I can’t say that was a bad thing, but it was difficult for me. We had been together for so long that the fighting, arguing, orders of protections, and moving from place-to-place had become a part of my life.

After the break up, I didn’t know how to function and live on my own. The company I worked for was bought out. So I was out of a job, had a failed relationship, and now my son was facing charges that could cost him 40 years of his life.

At this point, my life became so unmanageable and out of control that I started making stupid decisions. I decided to sin and move in with a man who I had only met two years prior. He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. Instead, he was the nightmare of my life; and he terrorized my daughter and me. The many nights of arguing, his constant door slamming, and his calling my name while he was drinking all night finally took a toll on Maya and me.

The best decision I have made in the last year was to stay at the Dorcas House. I have been welcomed, loved, taught, and respected. I believe God is going to make a way for my son, and God is working miracles in Maya’s life and mine. I thank God for the Union Rescue Mission/Dorcas House for being who they are. It’s not just a shelter; it’s a home. I don’t feel like just a client; I feel like I have a family. Because of them and the work of God in my life, I can see clearly now; the rain is gone.