Renewal Story: Layla

Last Christmas was a difficult time for Layla. She had recently come to Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County after completing a drug rehabilitation program. But the hardest part was being separated from her young daughter, Zoey, as she fought for custody.

Although she missed her daughter, Layla knew that UGM-TC would provide her with the support she needed to be a sober, responsible, loving mother. She was ready to take the first steps toward that goal. 

“Being here was one of the first times I felt safe,” Layla says. “It gave me peace, structure and a sense of community.”

Layla found the program beneficial on several levels. “You need to have something to fill the time when you’re coming out of addiction. Also, I hadn’t worked in a long time, and the Skill Building Program helped me get used to being on a schedule, having a boss again and having to work with people.”

Alpha was a bright spot in Layla’s schedule. Before she came to UGM-TC, she had started attending church, and Alpha kept her connected to Christ. “It definitely helped,” she says. “I went to Bible study, and I liked the Alpha small group with praise at the beginning.”

Grounded in faith and surrounded by newfound friends, Layla welcomed her precious daughter Zoey to live with her in our Family Center. That was in May, this year. “She loves being around other people,” Layla tells us. “She’s made a lot of friends here.”

Mother and daughter will celebrate this Christmas together, in the company of people who have become family to them. “You don’t think anybody cares about you when you have to come to a place like this, but I felt cared for. I learned that people actually cared about me,” Layla says.

Looking ahead, Layla hopes to continue her education and possibly pursue a career in social work. In the meantime, she and her daughter are grateful to be in a safe, caring environment. “UGM-TC is a great place to be,” says Layla. “I’m glad I came here. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!”