When Serenity first reached out to Love In the Name of Christ, she was living in an apartment but on the verge of eviction.

She has custody of her goddaughter, and Serenity’s boyfriend and a roommate were living there with them. Serenity was behind in her rent and electric bill, due to being out of work and unable to pay. She had just started a new job, but would not get her paycheck in time to pay the rent. She called seeking help with rent and food.

The Clearinghouse Receptionist that spoke to Serenity listened with compassion to her story to find out what her needs were. Since Love INC rarely pays rent, the Receptionist then gave her information to contact United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, the Salvation Army in Lake County, Lake County Emergency Rental Assistance, and Community Action Lake County to see if they could help her catch up with her rent.

A few days later, a Clearinghouse Volunteer from Fairway Christian Church spoke to Serenity for her Intake Interview. This gave a better idea of what exactly was needed in her situation, and how local churches, through Love INC, might come alongside Serenity and her family.

Clearinghouse Volunteers kept in touch with Serenity over the next several months. During one of the follow up calls, a volunteer from Faith Presbyterian Church learned that none of the community resources worked out. Serenity and her family were evicted and had to move into a hotel.

While living in the hotel, Serenity applied for an apartment at another complex and her application was accepted! During the entire process, the Clearinghouse kept in touch with Serenity, encouraging her and praying with her. When Christmas drew closer, she was told about Christmas Blessings. At first she was unsure if she could make it to the Journey classes to qualify, but she spoke to her boss and he allowed her to come to the three Tuesday night classes she needed. For the shopping event, she was paired with a volunteer from First Baptist Church at the Villages, and they enjoyed selecting gifts together for her goddaughter.

Serenity’s story could have ended there. But she loved the classes so much that she got her work schedule changed so she would be free to join Journey INC! She started the class currently being taught, Anxious for Nothing, January 17th. She also moved into her new place, which happens to be more affordable than the place she was evicted from. She expects to be able to keep up with the rent on her current salary.

With Serenity settled into her new place and regularly attending Journey, her life is stabilizing. She is now in the best position possible to be cared for holistically by YOU – the local churches that partner with Love INC of the Heart of Florida. Serenity is uniquely gifted with skills that contribute positively to her situation. Our desire is to see her live up to her potential. And with the time we have with her at Journey, that will be the goal of every interaction. We look forward to bringing you updates of how you are helping Serenity and her family!