From Seeking Help to Serving Others
In October of 2023, Geri and Jamie found themselves
in a situation they never expected. Geri was working
to provide a home, but lost her job and could no longer
afford rent. “We called City Mission and they took us in right away,” Geri recalled.
Stepping through the doors of City Mission, mother and
daughter were overwhelmed with uncertainty. “Coming
here wasn’t something we ever planned,” Jamie shared. But from the moment staff welcomed them, their fears began to ease.
“We were brought to the Director of the Family Life Center, who immediately made sure we were comfortable and brought us to our own room. At first, we thought we were only going to be here for a week or so.”
As the days passed, Geri and Jamie realized that City Mission was exactly where they needed to be. “The staff and the ladies all made us realize we needed to stay here,” Geri explained. “I had struggled before, but once I walked in the front door here, I was able to stay sober because I had the support I needed.” They also embraced the classes offered, which became a turning point in their journey.
The transformation in both of them has been profound. “I have changed dramatically,” Jamie said. “When I first came here, I was quiet and couldn’t talk to anyone; I was so nervous and closed off. Getting here and getting to know people has helped me a lot with my anxiety and confidence.” For Geri, the change was just as personal: “Based on the way I was raised, I’ve always struggled showing my emotions. Now I’m hugging her and telling her I love her first!”
Today, both mother and daughter are giving back to the place that helped them rebuild their lives. Jamie is serving as a Downtown Ambassador. “I love seeing how other people live their lives and meeting all sorts of different people. It’s really nice to be out there working.” Geri, now an associate in the kitchen, finds joy in serving meals and offering a listening ear. “Sometimes I just sit there and listen to people vent, and they feel better. One guy hugged me yesterday and just said, ‘Thank you.’ It’s full circle—we used to come here to eat when we didn’t have the money, and now we get to serve others.”
Their journey continues as they live in Transitional Housing, strengthening their bond as mother and daughter. “Now we can be together, cook together, watch TV, and build our lives, Geri shared.”
Geri and Jamie are deeply grateful to the donors and volunteers who make City Mission’s work possible. “Thank you very much,” Jamie said. “It has helped not only me and my mom, but a lot of others. Everything you do is a huge help to City Mission and the people living here. It makes so many lives better.” Geri echoed her daughter’s gratitude: “We wouldn’t be able to survive without the donors. We wouldn’t have made it.”
From seeking help to now being part of the team that offers it, Geri and Jamie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and gratitude. “Thank you to my mom for being the best mom ever,” Jamie added. With smiles on their faces, they continue to serve, support, and inspire those who walk through the doors of City Mission—just as they once did.