BAKERSFIELD - The Mission at Kern County opens its arms to men and women who have hit rock bottom. On Thursday, it opened the doors to a new transitional home for women.
The new home has been in the works for years. Finally, several women are stepping over another threshold to lead the life they've envisioned for themselves.
The future is bright for the women in The Mission at Kern County's Christian Life Discipleship Program. The non-profit opened the doors to a new transitional housing development Thursday, for program graduates.
"After all this time we're seeing it come into fruition today, and to have it unveiled it's a dream come true for them, even for us as staff and leadership," said Carlos Baldovinos, Executive Director.
Baldovinos says it's been all hands on deck since January to complete the project. With the help of donors and churches, the women they've taken under their wing now have a place to lay their heads as they take their final step toward returning to an addiction-free life.
"I was a 30 year drug addict and I had made some bad choices and lost my daughter, and God brought me here and changed my life," said resident Deana Johnson.
Having come from a dark past, the vibrant three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, is a blessing to Mission members Deana Johnson and Catherine Skow.
"I feel so privileged to be the first to be able to benefit from that and I look forward to setting that pace and to setting that example for the women that follow me," said Skow.
And, for those who are getting ready to graduate the program, the house is a reminder of what they have overcome and what they have to look forward to.
"I just hope I get a bottom bunk. That's what I'm hoping for. But whatever I get I'll be grateful for. It's a lot better than where I was before," said program participant Jeannine Codd.
Giving them the opportunity to blossom into the women they were meant to be.
The Mission still needs children's toys, patio furniture and a backyard BBQ to make the housing program feel more like home. If you'd like to donate those items you can contact the Mission at 325-0863.
The new home has been in the works for years. Finally, several women are stepping over another threshold to lead the life they've envisioned for themselves.
The future is bright for the women in The Mission at Kern County's Christian Life Discipleship Program. The non-profit opened the doors to a new transitional housing development Thursday, for program graduates.
"After all this time we're seeing it come into fruition today, and to have it unveiled it's a dream come true for them, even for us as staff and leadership," said Carlos Baldovinos, Executive Director.
Baldovinos says it's been all hands on deck since January to complete the project. With the help of donors and churches, the women they've taken under their wing now have a place to lay their heads as they take their final step toward returning to an addiction-free life.
"I was a 30 year drug addict and I had made some bad choices and lost my daughter, and God brought me here and changed my life," said resident Deana Johnson.
Having come from a dark past, the vibrant three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, is a blessing to Mission members Deana Johnson and Catherine Skow.
"I feel so privileged to be the first to be able to benefit from that and I look forward to setting that pace and to setting that example for the women that follow me," said Skow.
And, for those who are getting ready to graduate the program, the house is a reminder of what they have overcome and what they have to look forward to.
"I just hope I get a bottom bunk. That's what I'm hoping for. But whatever I get I'll be grateful for. It's a lot better than where I was before," said program participant Jeannine Codd.
Giving them the opportunity to blossom into the women they were meant to be.
The Mission still needs children's toys, patio furniture and a backyard BBQ to make the housing program feel more like home. If you'd like to donate those items you can contact the Mission at 325-0863.