b'As men came in and out of the house, Kelseycoming months, she began to grow in all areas of was raped by five of them. Despite the alcohol andher life. She dealt with the trauma, learned new life substance use disorder that now had control ofskills, and held on to the hope found in hope found her, she graduated high school, married, and hadin Christ. As a result, her life has been restored, three beautiful daughters. The loss of her grand- including her marriage and relationships with her mother (her one stable family relationship) causedthree children. Kelsey has a fresh beginning. a mental breakdown, leading to multiple stays inWith over 46 million people struggling with psychiatric facilities, involvement in prostitution,substance use disorders in the United States, cul-and homelessness. She lost her family as well. Nominating in over 250,000 annual deaths due to hope, endless pain, and suffering. alcohol and drugs, we are in a crisis of epidemic However, Kelseys story did not end there. Sheproportions. This crisis must be handled compre-entered a womens program run by Adult & Teenhensively and collaboratively among health-care Challenge, where, for the first time, she found pur- providers, the church, community health organi-pose, meaning, and a new identity. Despite her pastzations, recovery centers, government agencies, decisions and actions, Kelsey learned about Jesusand families. Most in the treatment and recovery Christ and His deep love for her. This love was soareas are saying and doing the right things and strong. She asked Jesus to be her Lord and, over thehave compassion for those struggling. But8 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'