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Karen Sweeney
Karen Sweeney's downward spiral began in 1992 with occasional use of marijuana and crack cocaine. 5 years later, she was heavily addicted, her family disgusted, she lost her job, her home and custody of her 9 year old son Jared.

In October, 2000, Karen was in a near fatal car accident. Her injuries were severe. Her face was caved in; teeth were lost; jaw, hip and foot broken, and her breathing stopped. After an emergency tracheotomy, she spent 5 days in a coma. She says, “It was nothing but the grace of God that saved me. I didn't understand why. I didn't think I was worth being saved.”

But Karen's trials weren't over. After drugs were found in her car, she spent the next 3 months in Tidewater Women's Detention Center. Released in February, 2001, she came to the Union Mission Family Shelter on advice from the "Second Chance Program" for ex-offenders. “I really didn't want to come. It was not so much the Mission, but what being in a shelter implied, but I felt like I really needed to be someplace where I could take stock of my situation. This proved to be a very good place.” Nightly Bible studies gave Karen a yearning to know about the gifts God promises with salvation. She started attending church and “kept feeling drawn to the Lord.”

While in the Shelter she talked to Latresa Maxie, a Shelter Manager. “I told her I still didn't understand that Jesus' salvation had washed me clean.” She took me into the bathroom and put her hand on the wall and said “Do you see this wall? What color is it?” I said, “White.” She said, “That's what you are.” With more encouragement and teaching from the staff, Karen grew in her relationship with the Lord.

Karen's son was in foster care for over a year. He was about to be put up for adoption. She wanted her son back but felt there were too many obstacles. She needed surgery on her leg and foot, she needed a job, and a furnished apartment. Karen says, “I hadn't learned to walk in faith. That, if I give something to God I don't have to take it back.”

In June 2001, Karen had the surgery she needed. Her cast came off in August and by September she had a job. Through your donations, the Union Mission was able to furnish an apartment for Karen. They also sent a letter of recommendation to Social Services. Karen was given custody of her son on November 28th. Today Karen has dreams of furthering her education. She rededicated her life to God, and is an Alter Counselor at her church. She counsels others on what it means to give your life to Christ. Karen says “What I got at the Union Mission I carry with me; that we all sin and come short, but God is faithful.”

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