Lucy Puts Faith in God, Finds Her Purpose in Life

Lucy and her 3-year-old son moved from Chicago to Fort Myers, where they stayed her sister’s family. A short time later, the whole family relocated to Deltona, and that’s when Lucy saw she was wearing out her welcome.

“There wasn’t any fighting, just an uncomfortable quiet,” she said. “She was tired of having us there and I didn’t blame her. I knew it was time for us to leave.”

To make matters worse, Lucy was having a hard time finding work in Deltona. She figured if she could just get to Orlando, her job prospects would be better. But where was she going to live if she didn’t have a job?

“I was really getting desperate,” Lucy said. “I’m an independent woman. I had worked all my life since I was 16. I had never been in a situation like that. I was getting depressed.”

That’s when a friendly neighbor told Lucy about the Orlando Union Rescue Mission and even drove her there. As soon as she arrived, Lucy knew she had found a special place.

“I felt God’s love the minute I walked in there,” she said. “It is very tranquil. I knew right away this was where God wanted us to be.”

Lucy was raised as a Catholic but never had any real experience with religion until she began taking the Victorious Life Class shortly after arriving.

“I started opening my heart go God because I couldn’t keep going on like I was,” she said. “I started going to the Mission’s church services on Sundays and Wednesdays, and Bible studies during the week. I was baptized there and that’s where I really learned to rely on God and let Him guide me.”

Lucy lived at the Mission for about two years, from 2003 to 2005. She worked as a disciple in the donations department and took accounting classes at Orlando Vo-Tech. Within four months of graduating with her certificate, she had an office job and was ready to move out on her own.

Lucy spent five years working in the financial department at Aramark Correctional Services but was laid off when the company lost its contract with the state. Undaunted, she signed on with a temp agency and was assigned to Orlando Drum and Container, which eventually hired her full-time. She’s been there two years and handles accounts payable.

Lucy and her son, who is now 15, live in Lake Buena Vista along with four foster children.

“I always wanted a large family,” Lucy said. “These kids have been through a lot and I am glad to be able to help them. God had a purpose for me and I believe this is my purpose.”

Each day, O.U.R. Mission Hope provides life-changing care to more than 30 families, like Lucy’s. Your gift of $26.82 provides a hot meal and a day of care for a homeless man, woman or child in Central Florida.