FORNEY — At the Genesis Center, stories of resilience are written every day. Women arrive carrying years of trauma, hurt, and hardship — but also a spark of hope that, with the right support, their story can take a new direction. One resident’s journey captures exactly what the Genesis Center strives to offer: safety, restoration, and a path toward a brighter future.
She asked that her story be shared anonymously, but her words speak loudly for so many survivors who have walked through similar darkness. Her quote below appears exactly as she wrote it, unchanged.
Her Story — In Her Own Words
Life is many beautiful things, and for me, it has been nothing less than hard -trying- yet totally worth it. As a child, I had some family issues, so by the time I was 14, I found myself starting down the wrong path that most wouldn’t want their children traveling down. I was drinking and had already tried my first drug. I became a mother at the age of 17 and did well for myself for a while until my early 20’s. Then, once again went the wrong way and became involved in harder things. By the time I was 25, I had already been sexually assaulted and had almost lost my life. Several times, by just the age of 30, I found myself fighting through a lot of darkness, my entire life, and especially as a mother. As I look back, I know it is only by the grace of God that I made it through. He took the taste of all the bad things from my mouth and there’s been a huge change in my heart along the way.
I am blessed with many precious gifts, and I always include my beloved children at the very top of THAT list. I became inspired to live a better life than what I was getting before coming to the Genesis Center. Coming here has truly been an act of God, and it has led me to the right path for myself and my children as well. I’m grateful that I was able to get in contact with Ms. Gina because she really let God lead by helping open this door.
Because of that very move and the effort put into it, I have hope for my future and new opportunities are now possible. I have the room and time that I need to heal, to grieve, and to surrender all of my broken pieces to God. There are some things that only God himself can heal.
Whatever His will may be, I know he is doing a new thing. I get to wake up every day and be around generous, caring hearts, and hard-working hands. It’s truly life-altering, and I can’t wait to see all the things I’m going to do in my future and to give back. I thank the Genesis Center for being a big part of my story in this season of my life. Daily, I’m getting scripture poured into me. I have wonderful and wise teachers and an amazing biblical counselor who are all walking with me as I heal from the pain of my past.
I will never forget seeing what the destruction of sin can do or the pain from all the losses it brought; but I have hope for my future and get to experience all of the Lord’s promises to me. Being here gives me so much joy in my heart, and I’m especially thankful for Amanda for just being the angel she is in my life and at just the right time – exactly when I needed it.
I have nothing but praise for God and for the Genesis Center and for all of the beautiful ways they’re touching my life. That’s what loving God and living by His word is all about!
Proverbs 31:25 “Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in the time to come.”
A Story of Faith Restored
Her words echo the pain and chaos that so many survivors face long before they find a safe place to land. But her story is also filled with transformation — a turning point ignited by grace, courage, and the willingness to accept help.
At the Genesis Center, she found a space where healing could begin. She found structure, encouragement, and people who believed in her future even before she fully believed in it herself. She found teachers, counselors, and mentors who walked with her through grief, trauma, and rediscovery. And she found hope — not just for herself, but for her children and the generations after them.
The Genesis Center’s Mission in Action
The Genesis Center has long served as a refuge for women recovering from domestic violence, addiction, homelessness, sexual exploitation, and life-altering trauma. Their programs combine counseling, faith-based support, educational opportunities, life-skills training, and a true sense of family.
This resident’s testimony reflects the heart of the Center:
Restoring hope where life has taken a painful turn
Providing a safe space to heal from trauma
Equipping women with tools for independence and long-term stability
Walking beside them spiritually, emotionally, and practically
Her story is one of many — and yet it stands powerfully on its own.
“Strength and Honor Are Her Clothing”
Her closing verse, Proverbs 31:25, mirrors her transformation: a woman stepping into strength after years of survival. A woman healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her future. A mother refusing to let her past define her children’s path.
Her testimony is not just a reflection of pain endured — it is a declaration of hope.
And at the Genesis Center, hope is the beginning of every new chapter.
