“In 2021, my world fell apart. After a series of panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety, I ended up at Pine Rest inpatient care. It was the beginning of a long, difficult journey that led to me being placed on disability. With a small monthly income, I struggled to manage my life and my mental health was at an all-time low… I hadn’t driven in over two years. But on a Thursday night, I took the short drive to Ridgewood Church to start the program.
Slowly, I began to rebuild my life. While participating in the weekly Life Skills classes, the church helped me dig myself out of the hole I was in- helping me with my rent one month and getting my car repaired.
Even with the program, therapy and extra church support, there were weeks I would have anxiety attacks during class. One especially hard week my Life Skills Leader said something that changed everything: “I see God pulling you towards Him, and wanting you to engage more, and He’s giving you all these resources. I think it’s His way of saying, ‘I’ve got you – you’re going to be okay.’”
That same week, someone from Ridgewood came up to me and said she had heard about me and she just hugged me. She asked me how I was doing, and invited me to coffee break at church for their Bible Study.
As I grew in my faith, I felt my perspective shift. I began to see people and situations through God’s eyes. At work, I noticed a change in how I responded to challenges. Instead of getting angry, I felt compassion. It was a profound shift I still see in my work today.
Financially, I started budgeting, paying my bills on time, and even building an emergency fund—things I never thought possible.
I’ve learned to manage my mental health and find peace.
If I can find peace after all I’ve been through, I know others can too.
With the right support and faith, anything is possible.”
Learn more about the Life Skills Program here.