Rebecca says being able to work in this role is “God’s calling.”

In 2020, Rebecca joined the Lighthouse as Guest Service Associate and was promoted to Case Manager in 2022. Recently, she proudly celebrated five years of dedicated service at the Mission.

Rebecca’s journey with the Lighthouse began long before her employment— she is a graduate of our Life Recovery Program, completing the program in 2016 before becoming a Ministry Resident. Prior to the Mission, her life was marked by drugs, alcohol, and deep depression. Today, she is sober, at peace, and full of joy—and she dedicates her life to guiding other women on their own paths to recovery.

What’s something the Lighthouse has taught you?

I’ve learned that everything is in God’s time. Until you’re ready, things just don’t happen. I can see all the little seeds planted along the way, but it wasn’t until I was ready that things began to change for me. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to surrender everything. It wasn’t until I said yes to God that my life began to change.

And you hit rock bottom?

Yes, I was literally on death’s door. My life was going nowhere, and I knew I had to make a drastic change. After my son was taken from me, I tried to commit suicide a few times. At one point, I was literally on life support. I was just done. I felt like death was the only option for me and I no longer had any will to live. I knew I had to change something.

I was in jail and I just opened myself up to God. I had heard about God before, but I never understood what Jesus was or who He was. I went to church as a kid, but I never understood what having a relationship with the Lord really meant.

I started reading the Bible and praying. In my mind, I saw a crossroads. I knew that upon my release from jail, I would go back to doing all the things that I did before, or I was putting myself into a program. The Lighthouse opened its doors to me. I went to the shelter and the very next day I interviewed for the Life Recovery Program.

Has your spiritual life grown?

In the beginning, I asked so many questions about God. I was just ready for Him and for this change to happen in my life. The Lighthouse was a safe space for me to finally allow Jesus to meet me where I was. Now, I go to New Life church on Sundays and am deeply connected with the community there.

How is your relationship with your family?

As my son neared his 18th birthday, he reached out to me. We don’t talk all the time, but he’ll text me and tell me what’s going on in his life. I was able to reconnect with him and I’m very grateful for that. I know God’s not done restoring that relationship.

Did your own experience influence your decision to work in women’s recovery?

Absolutely! This is God’s calling. I knew when I was close to completing the Life Recovery Program that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I remember I wanted to fill out an application right then and there, but I had to wait. So, I did. But I knew that this is where I was supposed to be, that this is where God has called me. It’s just an amazing place, I’ve never seen anywhere like this. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

I’ve always had a desire to help people. I was a certified nursing assistant for about five or six years, so I’ve always enjoyed helping people and taking care of people. So, working here just felt right. It’s such a great thing to help and give back to the place that has given me so much life. Especially to help other women who have similar circumstances or struggles, it just feels like this is where I am meant to be. There’s no other place like it.

What encouragement would you give to those struggling?

Hope is not lost so don’t give up. God will come through, He always does. He will never leave you nor forsake you. All it takes is giving a new life a chance and taking it one day at a time.

The love of Jesus never fails. He is our Savior, our saving grace, and all you have to do is just say yes. His promises will never fail you.