Success Stories

From Devastation to Transformation

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Donyah S. West is a testimony of beauty from ashes. Like many others, the pandemic impacted every area of Donyah’s life and future. She personally experienced severe health complications- two hospitalizations with COVID-19 resulting in pneumonia, a pulmonary embolism, and a host of other residual side effects. “I was so ill that I just wanted God to take me out of my misery,” Donyah recalled.

In the midst of these intense medical hardships, Donyah was also in the process of leaving a physically and emotionally abusive marriage. Like many women who find themselves in abusive situations, every area of Donyah’s life was impacted. “He caused me financial devastation,” Donyah noted, “I had to move in with my mother across states to recover from being so ill, stressed and financially broke.”  Donyah’s mother was also elderly and needed help of her own. However, Donyah needed respite and hoped that moving from Georgia to Louisiana would provide some opportunity for relief and recovery from the difficulties and pain she had endured.

God met her in her hope.

Donyah was visiting church with her sister and brother-in-law In October 2021 when she learned about the work-life program. “I signed up for the work life course and received financial assistance for 10 weeks, employment assistance, and job skills that afforded me with the resources I needed to be successful in the work world and the Kingdom. Work-Life taught me how to be a good steward, love like Jesus loved, 5 steps to smart speaking, how to use your EARS, and the Keys to Calling a Ceasefire. I graduated from the Work Life Program on December 6, 2021.”

From Devastation to Transformation

When asked about her experience with the COC, Donyah said, “My experience with these services was great. I appreciated the COC paying my cell phone bill for 10 weeks, which helped me tremendously. I also appreciated the assignments- which helped me with my job development, social skills and speaking skills. I had to learn, recite, and present my “60 Second Commercial” at graduation. This helped me grow in my confidence level and increased my public speaking skills.”

Donyah’s transformation is evidence of the difference that a Biblical approach to poverty alleviation can make in a person’s life. “I now have a better understanding of God and what he wants for my life. I also feel confident in knowing that God is my source and strength. My faith level has increased, my confidence has been restored, my financial situation is better. Plus, I have a network of friends and a support system that I did not have before.”

“In the future I hope to publish my 2nd book, become a life coach, and to work for a Christian-based organization. The COC changed me in the ways that they encouraged me to aim higher for my goals and gave me confidence in knowing that there were people cheering me on and able to assist me in accomplishing my aspirations.”

In the face of pain, suffering and unexpected obstacles there is still hope for a successful future. Donyah’s story is just one of many individuals who find themselves working hard for a better future after undeserved devastation. The faithful investment of our community in providing for the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of others produces this result – lasting life change.

Donyah was given grace to get on her feet, opportunities to learn, skills to create a sustainable future, a community that supports her, and hope that God is at work in her life.

This kind of hope is possible for others too. Explore our services and our heart toward serving clients experiencing homelessness and poverty at https://christianoutreachcenterbr.com/

Job Training Experiences at Elevate Church

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A new job training class is underway at Elevate Church of Baton Rouge! We have 12 students enrolled from across the city coming weekly to develop the soft and hard skills needed to gain and maintain employment. 2020 was a difficult year in ministry, and classes were at a standstill to protect our clients and volunteers. Job training is the heartbeat of our services because it provides an opportunity for lasting change, not just temporary relief. It’s exciting to be able to host classes again and see individuals work toward goals that could change their futures!

We asked a few current students what it’s been like to be in class. Here’s what they had to say!

Hear from Michael

Q: Where were you before you began the Job Readiness class?
A: I was actually at Kingdom house which is a sober living house. 

Q: From a sober living home to Job Readiness class, how are you feeling now?
A: I’m feeling enthused. I’m not getting too old to learn. I’m feeling like I’m back in high school. This class is keeping me humble. 

Q: What do you hope to get out of this experience?
A: Basically staying employable. At my last job I was only employed for 9 months. I am hoping to get a steady job and be there for a long time.

Hear from Jafari

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness class?
A: I would describe my life as better than I was when I was coming up. When I was a young kid I was a criminal in and out of juvenile detention but at some point in life I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a better person. And look where I’m at now! I’m being a better person. 

Q: Do you currently have a job? 
A: Yes I’ve been working at Burger King for 15 years and 7 months. 

Q: What has your experience been like going through the Job Readiness Classes? 
A: It helped me become more stronger being around others and willing to help others succeed and be where I’m at. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances since you’ve gone through the Job Readiness class?
A: That I’m willing to accept a better structure and overcome. The skills and work ethic that I have now I would like to use like cooking, welding, AC/refrigeration, something different. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future? 
A: Own a restaurant. Be my own boss and work for myself. 

Hear from Teresa

Q: How would you describe your life before you were introduced to The Christian Outreach Center and before attending the Job Readiness classes
A: A wreck! I wasn’t close to God like I am now. 

Q: What difference can you see in yourself and your circumstances while going through the Job Readiness classes? 
A: I’m closer to God. I’m learning job skills like better communication skills and learning how to do a resume. 

Q: What hopes and dreams do you have for the future?
A: To be a computer technician, or cosmetology, or customer service/receptionist.

These responses are just a surface-level glimpse into what these job readiness classes can do for our clients. Our students are often motivated and hopeful for what their future can be. We are excited to have the opportunity to keep growing alongside them with more classes this year!

Arnell’s Story

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Arnell Myles was born in Baton Rouge at Earl K. Long hospital. Like many of us, Arnell’s family members are diverse- with a variety of different perspectives, experiences and behaviors. However, unfortunately some of them held ideologies that were harmful. At an early age, Arnell experienced severe abuse within her home. Trauma left her haunted, and without appropriate care she was unable to heal. Eventually she found herself in trouble with the law. Over time, doubt flooded Arnell’s mind. How could she ever be something more than just an ex-convict? Her abuse and trauma continued to follow her, and eventually she found herself experiencing homelessness. 

Arnell found the COC through an outreach event sponsored by the Purple Cow. There, she learned about services available to her such as job training and resume building. Arnell recalls the day saying, “I graciously accepted the services I received, and they enriched my life tremendously. I found Christ, became a Christian, and changed my life.” Through the work Arnell put in at the COC, she gained the skills and resources she needed to enroll at B.R.C.C studying Culinary Arts and International Cuisine. “The COC helped with cultivating stable living conditions for raising my children and two dogs,” recalls Arnell. 

“Before the COC, I had limited resources but with their help I was able to get out of the shelter and finish job training classes. I hope and pray my story and this testimonial reaches and provides encouragement that people can overcome and preserve through poverty. There is hope and an alternative from a path of destruction. No matter what your past is or was you can always have a brighter future.”

Today, Arnell is working toward her dream of opening her own local food truck. Stories like Arnell’s are why the Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge exists. To create opportunities for sustainable change in the lives of individuals and their families. 

From Homeless to Hopeful

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Tina is a former client and now friend of the COC. Over the years, we have had an opportunity to see her transform and flourish after attending a Jobs for Life class. Tina shares “I have been in and out of prison most of my life. When I wasn’t in prison, most of it was lived without a home. I knew God was calling me out of darkness, but I couldn’t find the road. 

I couldn’t tell you how many times I have been released from jail or prison, Bible in hand, and with every intention of staying clean and doing the right thing. But it didn’t stick. 

In 2018, I got out of prison for the last time and I voluntarily went into a program that had me take a job training class at the COC. Everything was different this time. It was the first time I was introduced to a family (the COC) that has been there for me, supporting me and believing in me. So I guess you could say I met the staff at COC through job training, but it didn’t stop there. 

They treated me like I had value. It impacted me so much that I came back to the next class as a volunteer. That part of the journey is amazing in itself, but it was so much more than that.

About 1 year after my release from incarceration, I reached a fork in the road and my next step was not clear. The people that I leaned on during that time were the staff from COC. 

I ended up teaching job readiness for three sober living houses which eventually expanded into a management position. My new career often involved people who were in need of birth certificates or ID’s, but they didn’t have the resources. So now the COC has become an ever-present help in my assisting others. 

Today I am actually a case worker who has the privilege of helping others who don’t have homes. The other day I had a series of meetings (one of them being at COC), and I had a moment where I did not recognize myself.

Did I tell you that I was even nominated for a returning citizen award (getting out of prison and doing the right thing)? That is what the COC is about.”

Tina is just one of countless women who share this experience. This is why the COC exists, to help those experiencing homelessness find hope. A roadmap to finding the path out of cyclical incarceration, poverty and homelessness. When you participate in our ministry, you extend a hand up to women like Tina. Thank you.