Testimonials

We invite you to take this opportunity hear from some of the women who have commented on their stay at The O’Connor House:

“Living at the O’Connor House game me hope and a new, healthy lifestyle for myself and my son, Caleb. It truly helped me break out of the cycle of poverty that for generation my family had been in.” Today I have my degree, I’m employed, and I enjoy being a good mother to Caleb. The O’Connor House taught me many valuable skills which I use every day. I am so thankful for the positive changes that have occurred in my life as a result of the help I received from the staff at The O’Connor House.”

During this season, I feel that it is very important to remember the reason. And for me the reason is the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. If it were not for The O'Connor House and the people who are affiliated with The O'Connor House, I am not sure where I would be this Christmas season. My name is _____ and a few of you may know me and my son, ___, personally. But for those of you who do not, please let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generosity that you bestow on us ladies at the house. I am extremely grateful that someone had the love for God and the desire to listen to His whisper when He placed this mission on their heart. My upbringing was not the greatest and let me be the first to say that I have made some poor decisions along my path. However, I believe that the decision to come to The O’Connor House was one of the best that I could have made for ____ and myself. I believe being here has enabled me to work on past hurts and bad habits in a safe and stable environment. This home, and that is exactly what my “sisters” and I have made it, brings us a certain peace that we all were lacking. But calling three and four other ladies from extremely different backgrounds my sisters is not an easy task. Each of us has very different beliefs yet a common bond, and that is motherhood which is made much more bearable by the strength we can draw from one another. The volunteers that come to our home, while being here for only a short time, make you feel like they are here specifically for each one of us. For someone who has never had an unconditional and genuine concern it at times can be overwhelming, but overwhelming in a good way. And for me it is the first time I have had love, caring, support, friendship, a listening ear, a hug with no strings attached. It is unbelievable at times. The support I have with my son, the mentoring and encouragement that I have been given not only that I chose life for my baby, but that I want to work at making it the best life it can be is what spurs me on to continue this learning process. Now that I am about to start my new job on Monday, and knowing that there will always be a loving, safe woman to care for him, not only makes it easier to leave him, but it also reassures me again that I made the best choices I could for him.

“…Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36a

It’s true; I admit it; I believe. I have an amazing God and I know it. It’s been over 7 months since my family and I graduated from The O'Connor House program, and my life has been truly amazing, blessed in every form of the word. I just want to say hello to everyone and update you guys on the continuing success of the ____ Family. We’re doing great!
In morning service Sunday, Pastor Dominic preached on the miracles of believing and the faith that comes along with it. Life is tough, a head-on challenge, but I go into it daily with faith in my heart and the Lord by my side (sometimes as my carrier). I often become mesmerized by how amazingly wonderful my life is.
I am constantly surrounded by those who genuinely care and who lift me up when I fall (often times before), and I would just like to say, “Thank you,” to all who contribute, no matter how big or how small and in what form. You’re truly appreciated and without you I would not be who I am or even where I am. Thank you!

P.S. See, I told you we wouldn’t let you guys down!

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
Sometimes it is hard to devote yourself to someone or even respect them when you feel they don’t deserve it. But in all actuality, respecting others is in fact respecting yourself.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
I discovered this verse while participating in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. Thank you to those who contributed, allowing this program to be a lesson for us. This verse touched me because I now understand my priorities and how blessed I am to have received the chance to have a 2nd chance. Thanks to all!

Blessings,

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.” Psalm 40:4

Wow, I never thought it would be this complicated being an adult and man is it complicated. “Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust.” That is really my guidance and focus point at this time in my life. It’s so easy to want to give up and take the “easy” way out but I will be the loser in the end and I know I’ve worked too hard to be a winner to give up so easily. Besides, my children deserve way more than a “quitter” for a mommy. Thanks to those of you who believe in me and continue to bless me. I’m truly grateful.

 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Ps. 32:8

I cannot seem to get away from this verse or what it’s saying to me. I now truly believe God and trust in all he says. I sincerely believe that in my hard times the Lord truly calmed me. – Resident #5

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.” Psalm 40:4

I would just like to once again thank all of you who contribute to The O’Connor House. I am truly blessed to be here. I cannot express enough my positivity, my progress, and my genuine happiness for having been blessed to receive this opportunity. I can only imagine where my children and I would be if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to have come to The O’Connor House. Again…I would just like to say thank you to all involved with The O'Connor House and a special thank you—you’re truly appreciated—to those who have touched my life on a personal basis.

“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” 

Ps. 33:22

In the New Year I pray that the LORD continues to bless me, my family, and my surroundings. 2010 is full of HOPE and I would just like to say thank you to all of you who are a part of The O'Connor House, whether physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually. I truly appreciate all. GOD BLESS.

“And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17

In this time of Thanksgiving, I would like to say thank you to all of those who have contributed donations (of all sorts), time, energy, & effort. I would not only like to thank the contributors but the staff, the Board, the volunteers, and my fellow residents. I am truly blessed to be here and in my 6 months residing at The O'Connor House, I have matured and grown so much into the person, woman, and mother I want to be. I just want to say I’m thankful and I am truly grateful to have been blessed with this opportunity.

Giving thanks always,

First, I would like to sincerely thank each and every person who has ever contributed to The O'Connor House.

I would also like to let everyone know how grateful and appreciative I am for The O'Connor House. I have a safe place for myself, my son and my unborn child to lay our head at night. I have the satisfaction of knowing I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to clothe or feed us. I have the opportunity to start over the right way to save money, to earn respect and to change for the better.

In my 4 short months at The O'Connor House, I have gained a lot of strength and courage from within that I never knew existed. I am just really blessed to have been able to become a great part of The O’Connor House family. I am just really grateful to know that someone does care and that I can do the right thing and do it in the right way, because I know it could be so much worse, but I’ve been blessed enough to not have to experience that.
Once again, I thank each and every one of you.