This is a testimonial written by one of our Graduates Kelley Mahoney. Her story is a testament to the power of community, support, and faith in overcoming adversity. It shows that, no matter how difficult life may seem, with the right help, healing is possible, and transformation is within reach. We are extremely excited for all that is happening in Kelley’s life. Her hard work and dedication are an inspiration to others. We are blessed to have her as one of our Leaders and she serves in so many ways, has shared her story at several presentations and is an encouragement to her teammates

Before Bridges I was struggling with severe depression, anxiety, addiction and major trust issues from traumas I endured throughout my life. It was so bad I didn’t even feel like a human anymore and couldn’t bring myself to do simple things like grocery shopping. I was homeless and new to the Burlington area. I have family here but soon found out that they wanted nothing to do with me. I felt alone and scared. I was able to get established in Medicaid and started going to therapy where I learned about the Bridges out of poverty program with Mona Ash. I was shy and riddled with low self-worth so it took me a while to actually reach out to her. It wasn’t till one fateful day at the dog park that a lady there struck up a conversation with me about life. In this conversation I brought up the Bridge’s program, turns out this Lady was a graduate of Bridges. She told me of the wonderful help she received there and invited me to one of the monthly meetings they have. I was very hesitant to go due to my anxiety, but something told me I needed to go, so I dug up the courage and went. At this meeting I was met with kindness, fellowship and inclusion. I was able to meet Mona Ash and set up a one-on-one meeting with her. She was so caring and nonjudgemental and she welcomed me into the Getting ahead course with open arms. I was very shy and lacked confidence and it took me a while to let my guard down. After much encouragement and fellowship from everyone I started to open up and blossom. I truly learned to focus on my strengths and started to let go and forgive myself for my past and learn that the only thing I could change was how I move forward from now on. I now have supportive healthy people in my life and am thriving. I’ve come out of homelessness and attend Celebrate Recovery, a wonderful church, was baptized, go to trauma therapy and have completed a certification course in the community health worker field.  I am also now a leader in the Staying Ahead program and attend every volunteer opportunity in my new community where I can spread the word about Building bridges Getting Ahead course to others in need. I now have confidence in myself and freely speak about my struggles to let others know they aren’t alone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am truly an Overcomer and believe that everyone can be also. I give all the glory to God because I know He has a great future in store for me and this has all been part of His plan.