My name is Darla Robertson. I’ve been disabled since 2003. I am a widow; my husband, Charles, passed away in 2001. He had 2 boys, Donnie and David. I was living in Bartow, Florida. After Charles passed, it devastated me; I was in and out of mental institutions. Seemed like every time I was getting better, something else would strike and I’d be back in that place I didn’t want to go any more. I haven’t heard from my stepsons since this.
Eventually, I started dating; his name was Michael. We moved to Ocala. I started having problems, such as hearing voices, depression and suicidal thoughts; Michael left me. I stayed at The Centers for 15 days. After The Centers, I stayed at the Salvation Army in Ocala for 1 year. A few of us from the Sally got a place. It didn’t last long. I ended back at The Centers. I stayed again 2 weeks. When they released me, the only place I could find was The Mission in Citrus. I’ve been here 4 months now.
This past week, Rhonda and B. are looking for a roommate to share a house and they choose me; because me and Rhonda have been through basically the same situations and we became very close. Within 2-3 weeks, the three of us should be in our own home. If it wasn’t for The Mission, I feel in my heart I would definitely be lost, if not dead. These people made me feel special and wanted and have formed such a special bond. They will always be my family, every one of them. Jim especially, he gave me strength and praise that I can do it and I did it.
Thank you every one at The Mission. I couldn’t do it without you. Your hearts are so big and your guidance makes me hold my head up high.