Brooke’s Success Story

Brooke Davis:  I have a New Life

After being addicted to meth for 20 years, I started praying that God would force me to stop. My boyfriend at the time started praying along with me since we both realized we could not stop using meth without divine intervention.

That intervention happened when my boyfriend was arrested for selling drugs and faced a long prison sentence. For my part, I was left alone and without a place to stay. I lived with some family members for a short while but was facing life on the streets.

Then, a friend recommended the Ogden Rescue Mission, and I decided I would give it a shot. That decision, which I know was an answer to my prayer, changed my life forever.

When I joined the New Life Program, I realized it was what I needed. I have known people who have tried 12-step programs, but I needed something more. The Rescue Mission helped me in ways a traditional 12-step program couldn’t. I attended Bible studies that helped me reconnect with God. The Mission’s staff helped me participate in work therapy, which allowed me to have responsibilities inside the Mission where I could help the homeless people who came for food, shelter, and clothing. The Mission even brought in guest speakers who would encourage those of us trying to stay sober.

The longer I participated in the New Life Program the more I changed. I discovered I could live life without using drugs. After nine months clean and sober, I started working at a thrift store. This work gave me some good retail experience and a few months later, the Mission staff encouraged me to apply for a professionally-oriented job that paid a livable wage. Soon, I was hired by a large home improvement store and started working there full time.

I had my feet back under me, but I knew there was still a lot of work to do. I have two daughters and I needed to make a lot of amends to repair our relationships. I had chosen drugs over a relationship with them and I knew that had hurt them. I worked to get their trust back by staying sober, telling them I was sorry, and being humble. Still, I felt it was important that they not disrespect me since I am their mother. So, I had a sensitive line to walk between seeking forgiveness and trying to regain respect as a mom.

God helped in our relationships so much and I am happy to say that both my daughters live nearby and share their lives―and my grandkids―with me. We all live in Sedona, Arizona now. After I graduated from the New Life Program, my now husband and I decided we needed to move away from Utah. After using meth for 20 years in one location, that place becomes so associated with your past life, that sometimes you need to leave and go to a place without bad memories.

We chose Sedona because my parents were living here and said they would let us live with them while we found work. I am happy to report we both have good jobs. I am “me” working as a cashier in a local grocery store. Sedona is a recreation destination and we live on an iconic street called Coffee Pot Drive.

A few months after we moved, my oldest daughter came down to live nearby, and my youngest daughter moved down a little while later. We live in a home that has been converted into a duplex and my youngest daughter lives in the upper level. Now I am close to both my daughters and all three of my grandchildren.

I feel truly blessed to have my girls here with me and my grandkids, especially considering all that I put them through. I believe all this could not have happened without God intervening and leading me to the Ogden Rescue Mission. Thank you for supporting the Ogden Rescue Mission. The help and support I received at the Ogden Rescue Mission has knitted my once-broken family back together. Through your support and God’s help, I truly have a new life!