My name is Lindsey Gaines. I came to the Mission In Citrus in September 2009. I have dealt with an abusive controlling husband which forced me to leave with my 17 month old son. After exhausting my friends as resources I had nowhere to go. Jim took me in while I left my son with his grandparents. It broke my heart to be away from my first child. The next day after being in the shelter, I had FINALLY gotten a job. About this time there were a total of 20 people including myself residing at the Mission. Everyone was very accommodating and friendly. I was scared to death being 23 and homeless. Jim made me feel at home and told me to relax and it’s going to take a few steps to get back on track. After three weeks I asked if I could bring Jesse, my son, to the shelter with me. He said of course. So there it went. I had my son, my broken down truck and living in his laundry room. I was grateful to not have to live in a tent with my baby. I am still grateful for the resources and help that I have received from Jim and the Mission. I have met some WONDERFUL people that have been inspiring and uplifting. Not only people that reside here but people that regularly volunteer or stop by to donate food or support.
I was enrolled in the rapid re-housing program which put me into a house January 1st 2010. Then after two weeks in the house, I lost my job. So, rent and utilities are taken care of for three months however the issue was how get a job while watching Jesse. I had to take him out of daycare due to not being able to pay $100 a week.
Well Jim came to the rescue again! He hired me as the only paid employee at the Mission to be the secretary. A bonus of working at the Mission is helping other people adjust from having a place to live then entering into a shelter for homeless. Also seeing them from jobless to getting a job and moving on from homelessness with in weeks.
Now as we all know, this place really doesn’t have the money to hire full time at anything more than $7.25 and hour. I was just GRATEFUL that Jim saved me from being homeless AGAIN. The dozy is that my boyfriend was laid off from roofing a few days before I started working at the Mission. Now we had to find a job for him. In the meantime he turned out to be a professional Mr. Mom!
Jesse’s Grandparents (Nana and PapPaw) live in Winter Haven and LOVE to have their grandson around. So PapPaw stopped by one day outta the blue and I offered him to watch Jesse till I get my tax return, buy a better running vehicle and I’ll pick him up. Well after three weeks I FINALLY got my check in and have been searching three days for a inexpensive car deal. I am still working at the Mission in Citrus a few hours a week and have found a part time cleaning job. Paul amazingly found work in the roofing industry and the blessings are pouring out! Thank you GOD!
So it’s time this weekend to pick up my little baby, hold, kiss and cuddle him. I talk to him on the phone everyday and he is talking so well!
To get there I have to find a car and trade in my barely running ‘94 Honda Passport. I looked for three days and found an alright deal. I came to Jim for advice and was shown by evidence on Kelly Blue Book that I’m about to get ripped off. I really am not looking for anything fancy. It needs to be safe and reliable to bring my son to daycare, my boyfriend to work and make the distance to my two jobs.
AHHHHH!!!! It’s so frustrating to think that I finally have a leg up on life and great start and now I could lose Jesse’s daycare because we can’t make it there, lose my cleaning job, because who would watch Jesse; and cut my hours at the Mission or pay some one at the Mission to watch him. I prefer daycare for learning purposes. He’s SO smart and potty trained at two years old! Jim is helping now again to find a good vehicle.
I’d rather not get ripped off and get a little car to help us get savings so we well NEVER be homeless again.
Now even at this point after I’ve moved on from the Mission, Jim has still been there for my son, my boyfriend and I. I’m so proud to be apart of this outfit. So many good people are homeless. Not by choice. Laid off. Eviction. Etc. So when I read the derogatory, attacking, comments depreciating the value of services and shelter that is provided for people, I was broken hearted and astounded. At anytime any of the attackers of this place could be homeless. Jim has his own way of managing the Mission, however God Runs It. If you think you know what’s going on and make judgments over what you’re not sure about, it’s time to make a visit.
We all have skeletons in our closets. God Forgives. Jesus died because he knows humans aren’t perfect. So to all of those people spreading negative about Jim or the shelter, get a mirror and take a look at your life. Are you so perfect? How have you tried to help other people? Have you given up your life and health concerns in exchange for the success of people on the down and out?
And to all of you who are in constant support and faith in our Mission. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God Bless you. All I can do know is pray for the lost, that God gives them eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to realize what’s really happening here.
I’ll get along with my own personal struggles but at least they’re not issues of cynical judgment.
Lindsey and Gator attend Gulf to Lake Church..I do not alter their words..They can say it best…I am going to start each week featuring those who helped us , by those who they helped. Their words..Their story..
Thank you all…