On the way to meet Sr. Hannah I passed a beautiful building which I later learned was the transitional shelter of Good Shepherd Center. Taking a moment to appreciate this lovely building, I prayed to God to let me live in a place as nice and as safe as this. At the time I had no idea where I was going. I did not know that this was to become my second home on the path toward self sufficiency. This was the first of many miracles that I experienced during my stay at GSC.
When I entered GSC I had nothing and I was ready to make a change. I paid close attention to the advice and the opportunities that the staff at Good Shepherd Center offered me. I attended the life skills workshops, took computer classes, and attended the residents meetings. I read the self-help books provided by GSC, attended the book discussion groups, the job club, and a peer facilitated support group. I am so grateful for all the classes and activities provided by Good Shepherd Center.
Through the employment program, I obtained a job at an adult day care center in a job training program, where I am still employed today. They have me doing a variety of things; from receptionist, to food preparation and serving the residents of the senior day care center. I am sure that once I complete the program I will get a salary increase and be able to improve my lifestyle even more.
I moved into my own apartment in August 2010, nearly two years after entering Good Shepherd’s program. Without the assistance I received from the sisters and the staff, I don’t know where I would have ended up. They helped give me a new start on life. My greatest pleasure today is that I am able to have my grandchildren spend the weekend with me in my new home.
A Program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.