Anna’s Story

Anna’s early life in Kentucky, as the youngest of four children, was marked by trauma. Her earliest memories are of being sexually and physically abused by her dad, grandfather, and her mom’s boyfriend. She thought it was normal.It wasn’t until Anna was 12 years old and started visiting the home of a friend did she realize that people live differently from her. She knew she didn’t like her home life but never understood that it wasn’t normal.

At 12, Anna left home to live with that friend’s family, who adopted her. She was surprised that she grieved for the life she left behind. This led to a struggle with eating disorders to try and hide the pain, and that struggle eventually led to addiction. The drugs and alcohol helped Anna to mask the pain of her past and to not care what other people thought of her.

In the midst of her addiction, Anna became pregnant and knew she wasn’t ready to have a baby. Her son’s father left when he was just 12 days old. Anna had no money and no car. Someone who knew her family told them about Lifehouse. “They said Lifehouse loves Jesus, and while I knew God, I didn’t understand His truth, and I wasn’t living for Him in the midst of my addiction. I’ve always loved Jesus, even though it was hard for me to understand how he could love someone like me,” Anna told us.

Arriving at Lifehouse, Anna felt a sense of freedom. “There were people who wanted to help me, even though I was in a bad situation.” However, she struggled with advice on parenting. “I am very headstrong in my beliefs. It was hard for me to accept that I needed to take care of myself first so I could better care for my son. I thought everyone was crazy for suggesting it.” After a year, Anna chose to leave Lifehouse. “I wasn’t living my life for God. Even though I was sober, I wasn’t sober in my mind. I was trying to chase things that would change the way I felt. I wasn’t getting high or drunk, but I didn’t want to feel my feelings.” She met a man she thought could rescue and validate her, shifting her perspective: “I changed my perspective from what a blessing Lifehouse was for me and my son, to I am stuck here in a program. God lets us make our own choices, and I walked away from Him.”

Anna’s departure led to her worst relapse. She went back into addiction, went to jail twice, and lost custody of her son for three months, which she says still hurts the most. “I realized I had tried to do everything my way, and it didn’t work. I knew everything everyone at Lifehouse had told me was true and that everyone here loved me.” Encouraged by her mom to call Lifehouse, Anna was hesitant. “I prayed that night and Jesus told me that I was going back to Lifehouse. I called but you all didn’t cut me any slack. I still had to go through the application process, but Jesus already told me I was coming back.”

Returning to Lifehouse, Anna was transformed. She fell into the arms of the staff members weeping with gratitude. “When I was at Lifehouse the first time, everyone was talking to me about Jesus, but I wasn’t in a place to hear it. The biggest impact was the way everyone welcomed me back, truly accepting me and happy to see me.” Despite guilt over her past choices, she felt grace and love. “Even though there is a somewhat professional relationship with everyone that works at Lifehouse, I consider all of the staff to be my family. I can share how Jesus is working in my life, and everyone shares in the joy of how amazing my son is. The staff notices the details in our lives, and I feel seen and heard.”

Now, Anna balances motherhood, work, and pursuing a degree in criminal justice and cybersecurity, with aspirations to work against sex trafficking and support others with experiences similar to hers. “I want to show people there is a way out, that there is hope and freedom.” She is excited about Lifehouse’s new BrightLife Family Support Program, which will ensure her son is cared for while she is at work and school. “When I left Lifehouse, my son was seriously injured when the bone between his front teeth was broken at a childcare facility. It was so traumatic, and I didn’t know if I could trust having him watched by someone else again. It will be comforting to know that he is in a safe place where people love him.”

At Lifehouse Anna has learned about saving money and improving life skills. “I had to take the initiative, but I know now that I can have a life for me and my son, and I don’t have to depend on a man or someone else to support us.”

Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Lifehouse has completely changed my life! There were two paths I could take in my life, and I tried one of those paths that wasn’t going to lead to success. Lifehouse has shown me God’s truth. He makes the way. I love everyone at Lifehouse, it has been life-changing for me and my son.”

“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

As we actively work to support moms who made the choice to give their children life, I always ask what is the value of one life?  Would we spend our entire Lifehouse income to save just one life?  How important is it to see a mom finish college, get a secure job with benefits and move into her own home, supporting herself and her child without reliance on government programs?  What is that worth to the community?  What is it worth to you?

As we prepare to launch our BrightLife family support program for our moms and children, I have learned what inadequate support for families is costing Kentucky.  The state ranks 44^th in workforce participation, largely due to childcare gaps that keep parents, and in particular moms, out of jobs or school.  Better access to childcare could add 28,000 people to the workforce. Over half of Kentucky counties lack enough childcare spots and the waiting lists are months-long. The average cost of infant care rivals that of in-state college tuition. Childcare workforce shortages exacerbate the issue, leading to understaffed facilities, staff burnout, and inadequate care. As parent, and especially as a mom, the stress of leaving your young child in the care of others is so difficult.

Your support of Lifehouse helps women like Anna break free of addiction, abuse and leads them to a life of hope and freedom.  Better access to childcare adds to the workforce, and the opportunity for higher education will lead to better jobs, better pay, and better security for single moms.

I am thankful for your love of Lifehouse.  We continue to grow our program through your faithfulness, trust and belief in our mission. Lifehouse is stepping out in faith by launching BrightLife, and stretching our budget with a strong faith component that God will provide for this very special ministry, along with the regular needs of Lifehouse.

Your prayers and gifts are vital to the success of Lifehouse moms in breaking generational cycles. As we come to the end of 2025, prayerfully consider if you can increase your support of Lifehouse this Christmas and into 2026.  A monthly gift in 2026, along with your gift during Christmas, is a great way to help us budget for expenses and meet the ongoing needs of Lifehouse. 

The launch of BrightLife will offer love and support for the precious moms and children that call Lifehouse home. Your gift of any amount will lead to a brighter future for both of them!

Make plans to visit Lifehouse during our Open House on Sunday, December 7, from 2-4 pm.  You will get to see the sweet BrightLife space and all that you have faithfully supported at Lifehouse.  Thank you for your prayers and generosity!

With deepest gratitude,

Dolli Neikirk and the Lifehouse Staff