Archive for year: 2022
Thank You – You Blew Us Away with Your Kindness
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /byThank you for supporting our 8th Annual Blue Jean Gala Celebrating 17 Years of Watching God’s Love Bloom!
The Gilgal Girls felt so special and were truly encouraged by your presence and support.
You helped us raise $317,000 toward our goal of $350,000. Thank you!
MISSED THE GALA?: View Photos of the Event HERE
STAY CONNECTED:
Be sure to follow us on social media to keep current on all that is happening at Gilgal. You can also visit: www.womenofgilgal.org to sign up for our email newsletter or to contact one of our team members.
Love Blooms at Gilgal for Alondra C.
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your investment in Gilgal! I look forward to meeting you at the Cobb Energy Center for our annual Blue Jean Gala.”
— Alondra C., Gilgal Resident
Meet Alondra C.
Hi, my name is Alondra C. and I am 23 years old. I am currently recovering at Gilgal from a heroin addiction. I was 19 years old when I first picked up and began using heroin, and my life has gradually spiraled out of control since then.
In March of this year, I lost my fiance Ryan, who passed away in his sleep. He was 29 years old and the love of my life. The cause of his death is unknown. He was buried two days after my 23rd birthday and I was devastated.
Since Ryan’s death, I have been to two rehabs just struggling to stay alive. None of the rehab programs worked for me and, ultimately, I ended up accidentally overdosing. Then there was Gilgal.
I was so angry, confused, and broken when I arrived here. I did not understand why my life was falling apart. But since being here, I have stopped blaming God for how my life is going and have taken ownership of my behaviors.
I have learned to have an open heart and have developed a better understanding of how to rely on Him during the times I need Him most. It is no coincidence that I am here. I thank God for Gilgal and that I am walking with Him during this journey.
The volunteers have poured into me and my fellow Gilgal sisters are awesome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your investment in Gilgal! I look forward to meeting you in person at the Blue Jean Gala!
Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to bring me to Gilgal. I pray that every seed planted in my heart will grow and that I will bloom into all you created me to be. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Thank you all for planting seeds of love and becoming a part of Alondra’s amazing transformation. We hope to see you at our 8th Annual Blue Jean Gala on Thursday, October 20th at the Cobb Energy Center. Get your tickets now and join us for an exciting evening where you can meet Alondra and other Gilgal residents and alumni.
Change Happens at Gilgal because God’s Love Blooms!
Val Cater
Executive Director
8th Annual Blue Jean Gala – Save the Date
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /byLIVE AND IN PERSON ONCE AGAIN!
Join us Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Cobb Energy Center as we host our 8th Annual Blue Jean Gala. Kia remains our presenting sponsor for the 8th year in a row!
The theme for the evening is “Love Blooms” and you’ll hear first-hand from clients, staff, volunteers and partners about the change that is happening at Gilgal because of God’s unfailing love.
Check out some testimonials for Erica and Lauryl HERE. You can meet them and other Gilgal women on Thursday, October 20th.
So mark your calendars and make plans to come join us live and in person. Details are coming soon! Visit www.gilgalbluejeangala.org for updates and to access a recording of last year’s livestream.
Change Happens at Gilgal Because God’s Love Blooms!
STAY CONNECTED:
Be sure to follow us on social media to keep current on all that is happening at Gilgal. You can also visit: www.womenofgilgal.org to sign up for our email newsletter or to contact one of our team members.
A Blessed Resurrection Sunday From Gilgal – Erica’s Reflects on God’s Amazing Love
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“Thank you, Lord, for my time at Gilgal. I am prayerful that the seeds planted will yield a beautiful harvest in my life and the life of my daughter and our community. I have so much gratitude. Gilgal’s staff and volunteers have truly inspired me. ”
— Erica F., Gilgal Resident
Erica F. shares her thoughts on the Resurrection an it’s impact on her life.
Hi, my name is Erica F. I am a 36-year-old mother of one. The past 16 years have been plagued by my addiction to alcohol. I drank because it was easier to blame God and (even) the world for my miserable existence rather than to recognize I was in this situation because of my own choices. I was in and out of jail, in and out of homelessness, and strung out on alcohol. Who wants to admit this? Hopelessness, misery, and lack of a direction became my identity. I thought my life would never make sense again.
Then I came to Gilgal – I have been here for four months. It’s funny how learning truth can change your perspective. I have always known that there was a God, and I even knew about Jesus. I had never studied about Jesus’ sacrificial and all-sufficient death on the cross. We read The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel. I did not have any idea of the real pain and suffering that went with crucifixion. I am completely humbled to read about His love for me and His willingness to take my shame and guilt to make me blameless before our Holy God. I never knew that I am completely acceptable to God because of my identity with Christ. I have been believing lies the majority of my life and they have led me to places and caused me to do things that I am ashamed to admit. I am so grateful to know about the gift of the Holy Spirit and that He is my constant companion. How have I missed this?
Thank you, Lord, for my time at Gilgal. I am prayerful that the seeds planted will yield a beautiful harvest in my life and the life of my daughter and our community. I have so much gratitude. Gilgal’s staff and volunteers have truly inspired me.
I pray that you have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. Thank you for your investment in me and my sisters at Gilgal. You have made an eternal difference in our lives.
Change for Erica happened because God’s love never fails. May you all experience the joy of His amazing love this Easter season!
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Val Cater
Executive Director
Happy Mother’s Day – Diane C. and Lauryl W.
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /byMy name is Diane C.
Last year this time, I had no hope. My husband had passed, and I had nothing to live for. I had no plans to kill myself, but, I did not want to live. I would watch movies where a woman would be dying, and I prayed that would be me. In fact, that would be the only time I prayed.
I was drinking every day. That was the only way I could cope. It helped take the pain away. I got a job at a local retailer. Even that was difficult because I had to be sober to work. Eventually, I just stopped going because it was just too difficult to stay sober.
When I got to Gilgal, I was a mess. It hurt too much staying sober. No will to live at all. I had no strength at all. I could not even stand for 20 minutes during the morning Praise and Worship.
I was surrounded by nothing but love at Gilgal. From the staff, the volunteers, the other ladies, and most importantly, the Lord. One day I woke up wanting to wake up. I started to look forward to living, not dying. My prayers to the Lord were thanking Him, not praying to die. I suddenly had hope again.
I am back with my former retail employer. They gave me a second chance. I walk to work every day, followed by being on my feet for 7 hours. I am exhausted and could not love it any more. Without the Lord and Gilgal, I would not be alive today. I am sober, happy, have hope, and most importantly, I have the Lord in my heart.
Happy Mother’s Day to you! Thank you for your support of Gilgal. Change Happens at Gilgal and I am living proof!
My name is Lauryl W.
I am a 23-year-old mother of a beautiful young son. For the past several years, I have been lost and broken. I was searching for a savior in everything worldly, so, it was a surprise to me when God found me right where I was. At the time, I was in active addiction and not even seeking help. I knew I needed it. God knew I needed it. I was led to Gilgal.
Since I’ve been here, my perspective and desires have changed. I have a brand-new outlook on life. Today, I have a Savior and His name is Jesus. Today, I’m considered worthy because of my relationship with Christ. Today, I am grateful have a good job. I want to be successful wherever God may take me.
Gilgal isn’t just a one-year program for me, this is a lifestyle change. This is a journey to a life that leads to eternity. Before Gilgal, I never saw myself reunited with my son, but today, I can see a future with him. I am excited to embrace motherhood. My plans are to work towards having him with me full time. Today, I want to raise him to know Jesus Christ just as I’ve come to know Him. I would like to guide my son to a good life.
I am overwhelmingly grateful for all the opportunities God has set before me. Change happens at Gilgal and my life is an example.
Love Came First: Stephanie’s Gilgal Success Story
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /byWhat an exciting year so far! We entered 2022 with such anticipation of all God is going to do at Gilgal. And, while COVID-19 still lingers and disrupts our daily lives, there is one thing that never changes and that is our Father’s LOVE.
John records that, “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) His Love Came First and we want this truth to remain the driving force behind all that we say and do at Gilgal. From the way we engage with residents, to the principles that drive our programming and partnerships — the love that first loved us is what makes change happen at Gilgal.
So thank you Gilgal family and friends for sharing this love and helping to make Gilgal dreams come true. There are countless women who have benefited from your kindness. Take Stephanie W. for example. You may remember her story from our 2021 Blue Jean Gala.
“I am amazed by how much God loves me and all that He is doing in my life. I never dreamed I could come this far so fast. I want to thank all of you for believing in me and helping to make my dreams come true.”
— Stephanie W., Gilgal Resident
Stephanie came to Gilgal in March of 2021 at the start of the COVID lockdown. As a referral from Fulton County jail, she was mandated to complete our program. While at Gilgal she has received basic essential services, as well as a full range of recovery programming, spiritual enrichment, individual case management, workforce development and life skills training. She also was assisted in regaining her Georgia ID and reuniting with her 12 year old daughter.
Her most recent exciting news, however, is that she successfully obtained her GED! After four months of hard work, she is now positioned for a corporate career path that she never would have known before. We are so proud of Stephanie for all that she has accomplished.
Thank you to everyone who invested in Stephanie’s life. We continue to look forward to all that God will do next for Stephanie and all of the women we serve. Please pray for those who are currently with us and those who are yet to come!
Change Happens at Gilgal because LOVE CAME FIRST — through God and passed on through each of you!
Visit us on YOUTUBE to watch more video’s about the change that is happening at Gilgal because God’s Love Came First!