Her Story
A woman can come to Hannah Center for many reasons, but always in a time of crisis. She may be pregnant, homeless, escaping abuse, recovering from trauma, or even a survivor of trafficking. She might have children with her or be working toward reunification. She could be a new mother learning how to care for her child, seeking education, or preparing for employment. While each woman’s journey is different, we all share a deep need to be seen, heard, and valued.
These authentic accounts are from women whose lives have been transformed through their time at Hannah Center. These personal testimonials reveal not just the challenges that brought them to our doors, but the strength they discovered within themselves along the way. While names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy, the courage, resilience, and hope reflected in these narratives are entirely real.
Lia’s Path from Homelessness to Hope
Lia’s testimonial recounts her life transformation after arriving at Hannah Center in a state of homelessness and addiction, where she found the critical resources and support needed to turn her life around.
My name is Lia. I came to Hannah Center July, 2024. Before I came, my life was on a rocky road. I was homeless, an active meth user, in and out of jail, and living a lifestyle I no longer wanted. I didn’t know where to look for help or have the resources for it. Fortunately, my probation officer recommended me to Hannah Center. Stepping foot into the center was the best life changing decision I made. It has completely changed my life, turning it around. All the resources Hannah Center provides has supported me in my sobriety, as well as treatment programs, and plans and goals I needed. Not only has Hannah Center helped me, but they also help the community by giving to any family in need of children’s supplies, such as clothing and diapers. Another thing I am grateful for, is that Hannah Center has brought me closer to God. Building a relationship with God is bringing me closer to success, because with God, anything is possible. I can never be thankful enough to have Hannah Center here by my side.
– Lia, 2025
Ali’s Journey from Abuse to Empowerment through Kairos Care
Ali’s testimonial shares how the Kairos Care program at Hannah Center provided her with the strength and support necessary to leave an emotionally abusive relationship and begin a journey of healing, self-discovery, and hope.
Before I connected with Hannah Center, I never thought I would find the strength to leave my unhealthy, emotionally abusive relationship that left me with self-doubt, fear, and constant stress. I was struggling with anxiety and anger that kept me from being the woman I envisioned myself to be and the mother my children needed. I joined the Kairos Care Program at Hannah Center, working with Christy, who recognized and related with my struggle and made me feel safe and gave me confidence to finally walk away from a relationship that controlled my life. I felt peace and freedom! They provided me with the right steps to begin on my healing journey. I was setting and achieving goals which I never thought were possible. They helped me rebuild my relationship with my children, experience personal growth that gave me a sense of self-worth, and stronger ways to overcome my struggle with mental health and anxiety. Hannah Center continues to encourage me and give me hope for a better future, just like they do for other women and mothers like me.
– Ali, 2025
Witnessing Transformation: Staff Perspective at Hannah Center
This testimonial from a member of Hannah Center offers a glimpse into the profound journey of growth and resilience observed in the women who come to the center seeking a new beginning. It highlights the staff's privilege in supporting women as they overcome past trauma and embrace the possibility of a brighter future.
Each of us has a unique backstory that brought us to where we are currently in life. We are shaped and formed by people and experiences and yet, those elements do not get to negatively decide what our future holds. I will never forget the first time one of our new residents heard that concept. It was her first week and the look in her eyes expressed her disbelief which was followed by a scoff, and a “yeah right.” Shocking? Absolutely not. This woman’s life was marked by deep trauma that set her up to fail since infancy. Understandably, her backstory negatively impacted the course of her life up until she said “Yes” to coming to Hannah Center. Six months into her journey with us and the changes we see are breathtakingly beautiful. Day by day she chooses life! Day by day she meets her obstacles and chooses not to let her past negatively define her future. Day by day she is being shaped and formed by new healthy rhythms that have replaced the old. Her life journey reminds me of a verse that says, “The old life is gone; a new life emerges!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 The Message). We are so humbled to watch these resilient women work extremely hard as they make life changing decisions that battle the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. How beautiful life change can be!
– Kim, 2024
Jackie’s Journey to Recovery
Jackie’s story illustrates how, upon connecting with Hannah Center while struggling with addiction and separation from her children, she found the support needed to work hard and, within months, welcome her children back home.
When we first met Jackie, she was struggling with various aspects of her life, including some deep-rooted, generational challenges. Recognizing that she couldn’t make the necessary changes alone, she reached out for help and connected with Hannah Center. Though she tried to be strong and manage her life, it was clear that she needed additional support and a place to find hope. After an interview process and a thorough explanation of the program, the doors of Hannah Center were opened to her.
Before coming to Hannah Center, I was battling addiction and unable to have my two children live with me. Through hard work and the unwavering support of those around me, within a few months of arriving at Hannah Center, my children were able to come back home. I continue on my road to recovery with the help of the programs offered here. My relationship with God has deepened through my involvement with Center City Church. I can confidently say that my children and I are supported and loved by all the staff here. I am proud to share that I have made significant progress in my recovery and have become a better person and parent.
– Jackie, 2024
Brianna’s Journey from Instability to Finding Hope
Brianna’s testimonial powerfully illustrates how, after a life marked by instability, addiction, and uncertainty, she discovered Hannah Center as a transformative "home" that provided the crucial support and resources needed to rebuild her life and embrace motherhood.
My whole life I was like a tumbleweed blowing in the wind. I was very unstable physically and mentally, and never truly grounded. I struggled with mental illness and drug addiction, constantly in and out of jail. Over the last year, my life has been dramatically changed, for the better. The worst and best part was finding out I was pregnant. Being an addict I didn't think I was ready to be a mother. I could barely take care of myself. Long story short I ended up in jail again, not knowing what I was going to do. During the 6 months I was in jail I utilized my resources and found this amazing place known as Hannah Center where they help women to gain the proper tools and support to be strong independent women and mothers, and to create structure and stability for themselves and their family. Living at Hannah Center has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever gotten. In my eyes, the staff ladies are not just staff. It is like a huge family of women. They are our tribe. I have gotten the best advice and teaching from them, and a level of support that I have never had. I have never realized the amount of resources available like this until I moved here. And what I love best about Hannah Center is this, it's not a facility I live in, it’s a family environment that I call Home.
– Brianna, 2024
Help Write the Next Chapter
As you reflect on these stories, remember that behind each one stands a woman who once faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles—and found the support she needed to overcome them. If you recognize parts of your own story here, know that Hannah Center is ready to walk alongside you on your journey as well.