My Journey: From Darkness to Hope
At Dare to Hope, my mission is deeply personal. I've walked a path from profound brokenness to unwavering purpose, and it’s this transformative journey that fuels my passion to empower you. This is my story, a testament to resilience, faith, and the incredible power of healing.
From Brokenness to a Glimmer of Light
My life was once defined by a desperate search for love, leading me through abusive relationships and into the grip of addiction. This dark period culminated in the painful separation from my four children, a consequence of warped perceptions and a profound need for healing. I was lost, believing myself to be beyond hope, until a pivotal moment changed everything. My journey took me from Alabama to California and back again, fueled by a misguided pursuit of love that blinded me to the dangers, eventually leading to my children being taken away by Child Protective Services. For four long years and eight months, I navigated a dark road, caught in a cycle of self-deception and damaging beliefs, convinced I could fix it on my own. My priorities were out of alignment, and I found myself in increasingly difficult situations, ultimately hitting rock bottom. This period of deep personal struggle forms the foundation of my understanding and compassion for those facing similar challenges.
A Divine Encounter: The Path to Recovery
On a cold day in January 2019, living in a broken camper with no power, water, or food, I was at my absolute lowest. God, in His infinite mercy, had a plan for my rescue. He sent Chris and Lisa Knight and their youth group, who, instead of feeding the homeless in Birmingham, found me. Chris's direct challenge – to come home with them, give my life to the Lord, and let them help me, or face jail or death – became the catalyst for turning my life around. Their genuine love and compassion, combined with the support from Compass Ministries-Christian Job Cop, became my beacon of light. In that supportive, faith-filled environment, I began to understand my true worth, rebuild my life, and break free from the chains of addiction and abusive relationships. This transformative period taught me how to "live" again, fostering new habits, community, and the love of a newfound spiritual family.
My Passion Realized: Holistic Healing & Purpose
For years, I’ve carried a deep desire to create a place in Blount County where women can find stability and where children can safely reconnect with their parents in a neutral, trauma‑informed environment. Dare to Hope offers virtual support and a desire to stand in the gap for families who need a safe place to heal.
While the Dare to Hope Stability & Visitation Center is not open yet—it is the future we are working toward. Our hope is to establish Blount County’s first fully trauma‑informed non-residential facility designed to support women’s stability and provide a predictable, court‑aligned supervised visitation environment.
This envisioned center will offer confidential coaching and case‑management, centralized access to strength‑building programs, and barrier‑reducing support that promotes long‑term wellbeing for women and families.
This is the heart behind Dare to Hope: preparing a space where healing can take root, where families can reconnect safely, and where hope becomes something people can walk into—not just hear about.
Providing Women With Tools, Support, and Education Needed for Long Term Stability!
Together, We Can Give Women the Tools and Support They Need to Build a Stable, Hope‑Filled Life!