Renewal Story: Victoria

Victoria grew up in an unstable environment, shuttled from one family member to another. Along the way, she suffered abuse, never knowing what it felt like to be wanted and loved.

As an adult, Victoria made poor choices in her search for acceptance. She followed one boyfriend into a life of drug addiction and crime, landing in jail for three years. Life got even tougher when Victoria was released from jail. “I was right back out there,” she recalls, “fending for myself.” She was deep into addiction, homeless and alone.

When Victoria became pregnant late in 2022, she wondered what would happen to her baby. After two miscarriages, she feared this child would also be lost. She gave birth to L’Marie in August 2023, thankful that her daughter had survived, but knowing she had no way to care for her.

Victoria and her baby stayed with a friend for a few days. “I didn’t have anywhere to live, and I didn’t know where I was going to get my next can of formula,” she says. Then social services came to her door, and Victoria handed her precious daughter into their care.

“When they took her, it broke my heart, but I knew it was the right thing for her,” Victoria says. It was also the right thing for Victoria. She was set on a course to get her own life on track, which included Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.

On her first day here, Victoria vowed to succeed. “I didn’t want to be on the street again. I wanted to stay clean. I wanted to do things right and get my daughter back.”

With your support, God’s grace and her own determination, Victoria regained custody of L’Marie last July.

She is working and living in UGM-TC’s Transitional Housing Program until she can afford a place of her own. “I’m going to be the best mom that I can be. I’m ready to give her the life I never had.”

Victoria tells you, “A world of possibilities is ahead of me! Thanks to everyone who loved me and supported me throughout my journey.”