In Search Of Safety

Sherley and her three children have finally found security and comfort, but the journey to get there has not been easy.

Sherley grew up in the Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights area. At the age of 12, her father was deported to Salvador, leaving her mom to raise her with the help of her aunt. It was her aunt that had the strongest influence in her life. “My mom worked a lot, so my aunt raised me,” Sherley said. “She taught me how to cook and clean. All good stuff.”

School had its challenges and Sherley became pregnant. “I dropped out of high school, but I continued working,” she said. “I’ve always been a hard-working mom.” Sherley stayed with the father of her son and together they had another child, a daughter.

The relationship with the father of her two oldest children was not safe. “I was with him for a long time and he was very abusive,” she said, so after years of abuse Sherley decided to end the relationship. However, Sherley then became involved with another abusive man and became pregnant with her youngest child, a son. She once again made the brave decision to leave that relationship for the safety of herself and her three children.

During these difficult times, Sherley still placed her children first, working diligently and providing for their needs. “I’ve never stopped working, but then COVID came along and I lost my job,” she said. “Also, the person we were living with got evicted and so we became homeless.”

Sherley and her three children were jumping around from one hotel to another hotel. Her children were affected by it. “It was really tough on the kids this last year,” she said.

She knew there were programs available, but it was difficult to get the help she needed to provide shelter for her family. Sherley was introduced to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. The program at the mission not only focused on providing shelter, but on setting people up to succeed once they leave. Sherley said, “They are helping me to excel with many tools, like teaching me to save, creating healthy habits like making my bed, and getting a good night’s sleep.”

She shared, “I surrendered my life to Jesus. He has completely changed the way I think and the decisions I make.” She has been growing in her new relationship with Christ and developing her personal disciplines. She recently obtained a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. 

Sherley and her children moved into their own apartment. Deed and Truth is pleased to be partnering now with the San Fernando Rescue Mission and their clients who are transitioning out of the mission with a strong sustainable plan.  

A special thanks to our Deed and Truth team from All Nations Church in Sunland for bringing a dozen volunteers to transform her house into a home. They also provided all the kitchen items, bathroom items, and gifts for the children while another Deed & Truth team brought the furniture, artwork, and beds. The family is so thrilled with the transformation.

Thanks for helping this single mother provide the safety of a home for her three children. Her search for safety is over… thanks in part to all of you compassionate and generous supporters of Deed and Truth.