Dear Hosea’s Family,
I’ve been thinking about writing this for a while now, because there’s a lot I’ve wanted to say, and honestly, I don’t think I ever said it enough. You all mean so much to me, and I just want to take the time to tell you how grateful I am for everything you did for me.
When I first came to Hosea’s, I was at my lowest. I was homeless, caught up in drugs, and honestly didn’t see much hope for myself. I didn’t have anyone, and I didn’t really care about anything anymore. I was tired — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But walking through those doors was the first real step toward changing my life, even if I didn’t know it then.
From the very start, you treated me with respect — something I wasn’t used to at all. You didn’t look at me like I was broken or lost. You looked at me like I still had a chance. That meant everything. Nobody had ever really done that for me before.
You gave me a place where I could be honest, where I could fall apart without being judged. You helped me believe that I was still worth saving, even when I didn’t believe it myself. The way you all loved and supported me during that time changed me forever.
I want to give a special thank you to Brad Bills. Brad, I don’t even know where to start. You were there for me when things were really bad — when I couldn’t see a way out. You never once gave up on me. You pushed me when I needed it, you listened when I needed to talk, and you showed me what real support looks like. You helped me get out of one of the hardest spots in my life, and I’ll never forget that. You played a big part in me getting clean, and I owe you more than I can ever put into words.
And Jamica — you have no idea how much of an impact you’ve had on me. You always had this way of making people feel loved and seen, no matter what they were going through. You made me laugh when I didn’t even feel like smiling. You believed in me in ways I couldn’t believe in myself yet. Your kindness, your energy, your realness — it made a difference in my life. You helped me find my strength again.
To everyone else at Hosea’s — staff, volunteers, friends — thank you. You all helped me get clean. You helped me rebuild my life, step by step. You showed me that I wasn’t alone, that people really can care without wanting something in return. I’ve never forgotten that.
There were so many days where I just wanted to give up, and every single time, one of you was there — to talk, to listen, or just to sit with me so I didn’t have to feel alone. You all gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time: hope.
Now, looking at where I am today, I know I wouldn’t be here without Hosea’s. You gave me the foundation I needed to change my life. You gave me love when I didn’t think I deserved any. You gave me family when I didn’t have one.
I’ll never forget the laughs, the talks, the hard days, and all the moments in between. Those years mean more to me than I can ever say. Every bit of progress I’ve made, every step I’ve taken forward — you all had a part in that.
I’m beyond grateful for the time we had together and for everything you taught me — not just about staying clean, but about life, love, and faith. You’ll always be a part of my story.
Thank you for seeing me when I couldn’t see myself. Thank you for treating me like a person when I felt like nothing. Thank you for helping me become someone I can finally be proud of.
With all my love and gratitude,
Anna (assumed name)