Yazmin Flowers’ story is one of transformation, resilience, and the profound impact of faith in Jesus Christ and supportive fellowship. Like many, Yazmin’s journey has been marked by challenges—from early struggles with addiction to navigating complex family dynamics. But it was through a moment when she felt lost and without direction that she found the hope and guidance she so desperately needed. Your support has made it possible for Yazmin—and countless others like her—to find a path to healing, recovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. She felt like she was stuck in a life that lacked meaning, but after coming to PGM, she formed a relationship with God and began seeing life in a whole new light.

Yazmin Flowers

“I grew up on the south side of Chicago. At the age of 14 or 15, I would experiment with marijuana with my friends. I liked smoking and drinking. I got pregnant at the age of 16. I still completed high school and went to college. I was able to work from 16 up to about two years ago. At 19, I got my own place and always found a reason to celebrate, drink, and smoke.

“I got married in 2009 until 2014, when that ended is when it seemed the drinking got excessive. I was still functioning, but it got way worse than it ever was before. I didn’t like to ask anyone for help. At 16, I was still going to church, but after I got married, I wasn’t doing any of that anymore.

“I had just turned 40 and felt this way of living couldn’t be it for me. There had to be more.”

“In 2022, I stayed in a hotel for ten months. At that time in my life, I had been staying at my mom’s to help her because she’d had a stroke. She got out of the hospital and only had about 30% functioning after the stroke. She was used to doing things on her own and thought I was coming in to take over and didn’t like my drinking. My feelings were hurt because I was trying to help her, so that was it for me, and that was when I went to stay at the hotel.

“I was still working, and stuff was going well, but I was tired. I had to spend all the money I made from work on the hotel. It was like work to pay, work to pay. I had just turned 40 and felt this way of living couldn’t be it for me. There had to be more. I was always talking at God, and it was from a place of anger. I didn’t want to ask for help, and I thought I could do everything on my own. Maybe it was God teaching me about my pride.

“I really needed help but didn’t know which direction to go. I didn’t have time to sleep because I was always at work, and I just got tired. I was feeling depressed and didn’t want to do it anymore. I didn’t want to commit suicide because I was going to go to hell, and I didn’t want that. I wanted it to stop and get better.

“I was told about PGM when I went to the hospital and was given the number to call, but I was so tired of calling places for help that I just came straight here. I had called other shelters and treatment programs but had been told no repeatedly for various reasons. I got frustrated and thought to myself and to God that this is why I don’t ask for help.

“I came here and met a counselor, and she asked me how I knew I was going to heaven, She reintroduced Christ to me in a different light. I knew God had heard me crying out to Him when, after receiving so many noes, I found PGM. He knew I was looking for help and that I wanted to stop drinking and smoking. I wanted to be free. I found out PGM had more services besides shelter, and I learned about the 90-day addiction recovery program. I knew I needed it, so I was very happy.

“One of the main things I learned in New Day was the damage I was doing to my body by being a binge drinker. It also helped me look to my childhood and identify possible sources of my behavior, like my father’s drinking. It was a lot to think about, especially the wasted time. I feel like I was in the wilderness for my first 40 years. Being here, learning and growing is preparing me for what God has planned for me.

“I committed to the New Life Bible program because I wanted more than just 90 days sober. I desired to be somewhere structured and still have devotions and learn about God, the Bible, and Jesus. That is why I joined the discipleship program.

“I don’t think I would be teaching my granddaughter the Bible now if I was stuck in my old life and too busy working. So, being here is what brought me to doing that. Christ is more of my provider and healer. He is a good listener. To know Him now and see that it isn’t other people who are going to bring you closer to Him, but yourself. I feel now that He brought me to spiritual people who can give good teachings of the Bible because before when I was younger, I wasn’t being taught the correct way.

“After graduation, I was accepted into the transitional living program. In the career development phase, I applied for a WIOA Grant and was approved. Now, two days a week, I’m enrolled in school for Patient Care Technician. God gave me my start back on something I started 20 years ago, working towards a CNA. In November, I was offered the Volunteer Services Assistant position at PGM. I love my position. It still doesn’t seem real. I thank God every day. I pray more for my mom and family because our relationships have become better and closer. Everyone has truly been supportive and sees what God has done for me. I feel like God had to change my surroundings and circumstances so He could change my life. I am grateful for the people He sent to minister to me.

“I can’t give up now. I don’t want to be separated from Him because I felt like I was way outside His circle before, but now, I can have those conversations with Him. He always sends me my little confirmations and signs each day, so I know He hears me when I write to Him or when I pray, and that gives me a great feeling. To have a sober feeling free of being anxious or worried; He has cleared me of that.”

Yazmin’s journey is far from over, but today, she stands as a living testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and community. Through your support, she has not only reclaimed her life, but she is now able to give back, serve others, and live a life of purpose and gratitude. She felt something was missing from her life and that there had to be more than just working to survive. She found that meaning in Jesus Christ. She is a powerful reminder of how the proper support at the right time can change everything.

Thank you for being a part of Yazmin’s transformation and for anything you can give to allow others like her to find hope, healing, and a brighter future.