Crisis Centre Support. Does it Work?

In this blog we’re going to look at what Christian counselling, addiction rehabilitation and a consistent, whole approach to care has done for those who come to the Crisis Centres.

Most often, their problems are a mix of several issues, so the approach of our project leaders, as they seek to help, has to be multi-faceted!

You may remember some of the following people from previous blogs. Here's a brief rundown of where they've come from, and summary of how they are doing now...

Anfisa's past

A year ago, 16-year-old mum Anfisa and her toddler Alina needed refuge. She was battling childhood trauma and an addiction to alcohol. Raised by her grandmother, Anfisa returned to her mum aged seven. Her mother’s alcoholism caused fighting in the home and by age 15 Anfisa no longer attended school and she was pregnant. Her boyfriend, who was unfaithful, went to prison and she was left completely alone. Like her mum, alcohol became the answer to Anfisa's pain.

One year later…

Anfisa has completed the centre’s ‘Uprising’ rehabilitation programme. This means she is sober, and they are addressing her trauma and self-esteem through counselling. After studying for her exams for the last year, Anfisa has graduated from 9th grade. In July this year, the centre has found Anfisa a placement where she can study hairdressing with a view to finding her paid work in the year ahead. She is also part of the teenage group that meets to study God’s Word. Amazing progress!

Nina's past

27-year-old Nina is an orphan with two one-year-old children born just 10 months apart. She has no parents – her mum died in a fire and she doesn’t know who her father is – and there are no other relatives that she knows of. The father of her children introduced Nina to a variety of drugs and she became addicted. He is now in prison for drugs and for theft, and Nina was left destitute.

Four months later…

Today, Nina is free from drugs. She is taking part in all the activities around the Centre, she attended summer Bible camp and she is learning that she has value as a person and as a mother. She was baptised in May!

Madelina's past

26-year-old Madelina is a mum of two. Her own mum was murdered when she was just four and her father was an alcoholic. After spending her childhood in an orphanage, she later returned to her father who then threw her out of the home when she reached 14. After a period of being homeless she met a man who introduced her to drugs.

Six months later…

Madelina is following the rehabilitation programme and has remained sober from drugs. The Centre helped Madelina celebrate her youngest’s second birthday and she is engaging with their Bible studies. Through worship they have discovered she has an amazing talent for singing - “She has a God-given beautiful voice - she could be professional! We hope to host a solo concert just for her.”

Ivan

18-year-old Ivan is an orphan who was abandoned a second time in the cruellest of ways by his foster carers at the moment payments for his care stopped. They lied about arranging a college placement and a permanent flat in a town he didn’t know - Ivan was thrown out by the real owners of the flat after just 48 hours.

one year later…

Ivan is growing in confidence. He has regular paid work as a builder and is learning how to be independent without fear of homelessness!

These four young people are all making measurable progress because of the support they’ve been gifted – discovering hidden talents, completing education, embarking on vocational training, finding regular employment, exploring faith and even making commitments to Jesus!

Helping others overcome the damaging effects of trauma, addiction and abandonment takes time and patience from our project leaders, some hard soul-searching work from each resident, and our support and prayers too.

We are hopeful for new resident Vika, whose optimism will go a long way towards her recovery.

Vika witnessed parental addiction, lived in an orphanage and was then adopted by people who turned out to be addicts too. As an adult she became a victim of domestic abuse and an addict herself. She's only been at the Centre a matter of weeks, but already she's expressed joy at being given a second chance…

“Coming here was the best decision of my life. Here I have been accepted, loved and supported. I now have hope for the future, and most importantly, my daughter is with me. I would move mountains for her. And now I have God - I know for sure, we will get through this together."

We look forward to being able to bring you Vika's story of recovery and hope!

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