On April 4, 2024, Kristy found her place at Dove’s Nest, a decision she knew was meant to be. After three years of homelessness, where she washed clothes in a creek and never knew when her next meal would come, Kristy’s faith and commitment to God gave her the strength to begin her journey toward lasting sobriety.
Kristy, the youngest of three, was introduced to alcohol at just five years old. Her parents, both addicts, played a large role in her trauma. At six, she was assaulted by an older brother, and her parents blamed her, causing Kristy to carry the weight of guilt. By age ten, Kristy was already battling alcoholism and addiction to prescription pills. As her mother’s struggles deepened, Kristy’s own spiraled further. Kristy left home when she was 17. Shortly after, Kristy had a daughter and a year later a son. During both of her pregnancies, she turned to medication to cope, but both her children were born addicted, and she eventually had to sign over custody to her father. Abuse, charges, and hitting rock bottom led Kristy to rehab, where she began reading Genesis.
Although she had always known the Lord, Kristy struggled to understand His love for her. Even through relapses, she read the Bible daily. On her birthday in 2023, Kristy completed the Book of Revelations and felt God speak to her, telling her she no longer had to live that way. She found help at the Charlotte Rescue Mission and began Christ-centered treatment at Dove’s Nest.
Her time at Dove’s Nest was transformative. Kristy felt deeply supported and connected to other women on the same path. “When women asked me to pray with them or help them grow in their faith, it deepened my love for the Lord,” she says. Her Bible, beautifully worn, reflects her journey. “I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she shares, describing Dove’s Nest as “amazing and anointed.”
After four months, Kristy transitioned into the next phase of her recovery, and for the first time in years, she felt peace. No longer haunted by fear, she found comfort in the safety of her surroundings. “I love being part of a sober community, and I’m grateful for the simple joys, like having a place to wash my clothes,” she says.
Kristy, who has always had a deep love for animals, found a true sense of fulfillment in her work as a dog trainer at a local pet store. This job has been more than just a source of income; it has been a lifeline that has helped her heal and cope with the trauma she has endured. Working with animals brings Kristy a sense of peace and joy that she never thought was possible after so many years of pain and struggle. It allows her to focus on something positive and rewarding, and in caring for the dogs, she has found a deeper sense of purpose and emotional stability.
Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, earning her the honor of Employee of the Month twice in less than six months, a reflection of her resilience and commitment. She gives God all the glory.
Kristy carries two notebooks and her Bible with her wherever she goes. One notebook is filled with poetry from her time in active addiction, capturing the raw emotions and struggles she faced. The other is a testament to her recovery, filled with love letters to Jesus as she documents her journey of healing and faith. Writing has been a powerful tool for Kristy, allowing her to process her experiences and reflect on how far she has come. “My hope isn’t that many of you can relate to my story. But instead, see that God deserves all The Glory.” she says, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the transformation in her life. Through her job, her faith, and her personal growth, Kristy is not only rebuilding her life but also finding healing in ways she never expected.
Today, Kristy is restoring relationships with her father and is joyfully involved in her children’s lives. She faithfully pays child support for her 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, excited to spend more time with them this summer. During a recent visit, she was able to buy both a Bible and a scripture coin, a gift that holds deep meaning for her. She says, “The Bible will set them up for the rest of their lives, and I hope the coin reminds them to go to God for anything.” Kristy is filled with hope and gratitude as she watches her children grow, knowing that they are beginning their own spiritual journeys, and she is thrilled to be a part of that.
Looking to the future, Kristy dreams of working at Dove’s Nest, where she can give back by serving the women who are just beginning their own recovery. She wants to be there for others, just as others were there for her, offering support and encouragement on their path to sobriety. “Dove’s Nest is home”, she says, and it truly is. Kristy finds joy in every moment, whether it’s spending time with her family, pursuing her career, or simply enjoying the peace she has found after years of turmoil. She is profoundly thankful for the life she has today, and her heart overflows with gratitude for the grace that has brought her this far. Kristy’s journey is one of redemption, love, and unwavering faith, and she can’t wait to see where God leads her next.
Kristy, the youngest of three, was introduced to alcohol at just five years old. Her parents, both addicts, played a large role in her trauma. At six, she was assaulted by an older brother, and her parents blamed her, causing Kristy to carry the weight of guilt. By age ten, Kristy was already battling alcoholism and addiction to prescription pills. As her mother’s struggles deepened, Kristy’s own spiraled further. Kristy left home when she was 17. Shortly after, Kristy had a daughter and a year later a son. During both of her pregnancies, she turned to medication to cope, but both her children were born addicted, and she eventually had to sign over custody to her father. Abuse, charges, and hitting rock bottom led Kristy to rehab, where she began reading Genesis.
Although she had always known the Lord, Kristy struggled to understand His love for her. Even through relapses, she read the Bible daily. On her birthday in 2023, Kristy completed the Book of Revelations and felt God speak to her, telling her she no longer had to live that way. She found help at the Charlotte Rescue Mission and began Christ-centered treatment at Dove’s Nest.
Her time at Dove’s Nest was transformative. Kristy felt deeply supported and connected to other women on the same path. “When women asked me to pray with them or help them grow in their faith, it deepened my love for the Lord,” she says. Her Bible, beautifully worn, reflects her journey. “I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she shares, describing Dove’s Nest as “amazing and anointed.”
After four months, Kristy transitioned into the next phase of her recovery, and for the first time in years, she felt peace. No longer haunted by fear, she found comfort in the safety of her surroundings. “I love being part of a sober community, and I’m grateful for the simple joys, like having a place to wash my clothes,” she says.
Kristy, who has always had a deep love for animals, found a true sense of fulfillment in her work as a dog trainer at a local pet store. This job has been more than just a source of income; it has been a lifeline that has helped her heal and cope with the trauma she has endured. Working with animals brings Kristy a sense of peace and joy that she never thought was possible after so many years of pain and struggle. It allows her to focus on something positive and rewarding, and in caring for the dogs, she has found a deeper sense of purpose and emotional stability.
Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, earning her the honor of Employee of the Month twice in less than six months, a reflection of her resilience and commitment. She gives God all the glory.
Kristy carries two notebooks and her Bible with her wherever she goes. One notebook is filled with poetry from her time in active addiction, capturing the raw emotions and struggles she faced. The other is a testament to her recovery, filled with love letters to Jesus as she documents her journey of healing and faith. Writing has been a powerful tool for Kristy, allowing her to process her experiences and reflect on how far she has come. “My hope isn’t that many of you can relate to my story. But instead, see that God deserves all The Glory.” she says, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the transformation in her life. Through her job, her faith, and her personal growth, Kristy is not only rebuilding her life but also finding healing in ways she never expected.
Today, Kristy is restoring relationships with her father and is joyfully involved in her children’s lives. She faithfully pays child support for her 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, excited to spend more time with them this summer. During a recent visit, she was able to buy both a Bible and a scripture coin, a gift that holds deep meaning for her. She says, “The Bible will set them up for the rest of their lives, and I hope the coin reminds them to go to God for anything.” Kristy is filled with hope and gratitude as she watches her children grow, knowing that they are beginning their own spiritual journeys, and she is thrilled to be a part of that.
Looking to the future, Kristy dreams of working at Dove’s Nest, where she can give back by serving the women who are just beginning their own recovery. She wants to be there for others, just as others were there for her, offering support and encouragement on their path to sobriety. “Dove’s Nest is home”, she says, and it truly is. Kristy finds joy in every moment, whether it’s spending time with her family, pursuing her career, or simply enjoying the peace she has found after years of turmoil. She is profoundly thankful for the life she has today, and her heart overflows with gratitude for the grace that has brought her this far. Kristy’s journey is one of redemption, love, and unwavering faith, and she can’t wait to see where God leads her next.
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