Angelica says being able to work in this role is “the biggest blessing.”

How did you hear about the Lighthouse?

I heard about the Lighthouse a while ago, but I became really interested in it around 2014. I did a tour of the Lighthouse and learned a lot about it then. At the time, the recovery group I was in (working as the group facilitator) was attended by the Lighthouse women. I felt like the Lighthouse kept popping up in my life.

It sounds like you have experience working in women’s program recovery?

Oh, yes! I’ve worked as a facilitator for eight years. But at my church, around two years ago, the people who led the recovery group had to step down. My husband and I kept waiting for someone to take the responsibility to re-start the program so we could help support them. After a lot of prayer, my husband and I, alongside another couple, now co-lead the recovery program at New Life church.

I always thought if I could do this full-time, that would be the best job, the biggest blessing. It means a lot to me personally to be here and give back. God’s given me a chance to make a difference. I’m so grateful for that.

Helping women in recovery seems to be a passion for you. Is there a particular reason?

I come from a dysfunctional family. My sister was in a women’s recovery home and my brother was in and out of recovery homes all his life. He passed away at the age of 60. So, my heart has always been with those struggling with trauma and addiction.

When I was about 23, 24 years old, my first husband and I directed a women’s home. It was a short assignment, but I knew then it was part of my life’s calling, to minister to women and help them recover from all of life’s messiness.

What’s your favorite part about working in women’s recovery?

My favorite part is seeing the restoration, seeing the transformation, and ultimately seeing the total turnaround in a woman’s life. To see them walking in the right direction, on the right path, and seeing them have goals, hope, and living their purpose. Really, just seeing them walk in freedom is my favorite part to witness in the program.

For the shelter, it’s really about being able to share the love of God, to plant those seeds. Since it’s only 30 days, it’s about planting the seeds that will stay with this person when they leave the shelter. It’s about helping them in their most desperate times and giving them something they can take with them.

My ultimate desire is to see women healed and restored; to lessen the amount of people on the streets who are hurting and lost. I want to see them have the life God intended them to have.

What would you like people to know about the Lighthouse?

People are being rescued. Families are being impacted by what God is doing here at the Lighthouse. Generations are being impacted; lives are being restored. A better future is being developed for the children that come through here. Salvation is taking place, and the Kingdom of God is growing.

I hope donors know how much they are appreciated. They are a major part of the Lighthouse and the life transformations we get to witness. The gifts they give, whether financial or material goods, have such an impact on us being able to do what we do and truly goes a long way. We’re so thankful for them.