Annaka’s Story: From Addiction to a Changed Life
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission - September 15 2026
You helped Annaka find a changed life!
If nothing else, Annaka was consistent. Her day started with a drink or two. Just a couple to take the edge off. Then, her day ended in much the same way. More drinking to numb the heartache and edge that seemed to be ever-present.
Annaka wasn’t ready to admit she had a problem. It wasn’t like she was homeless…yet. But Annaka certainly couldn’t hold down a job. She couldn’t pay her bills. And her car was about to be taken away. Finally, Annaka had to admit, “My life was chaotic. I was broken. I was a mess.”
Worst of all, Annaka was all alone. She’d lost 20 years of her life to addiction, cutting off anyone who cared about her. “I used drinking as a coping mechanism. I would isolate myself. I didn’t want to deal with my trauma, with my past.”
Annaka’s way of life wasn’t working. She had reached rock bottom. Something had to change. Annaka was ready to get sober. But she needed help. She needed support. Thanks to God and caring friends like you, Annaka found the support she needed at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.
GRACE AT THE MISSION
Annaka had never quite experienced anything like the Mission’s culture of grace and truth. “I was kind of in shock. But I loved it. Everybody was so nice and everybody cared.”
With time, patience, and consistency, Annaka soon let her guard down. She learned to trust. She learned to let people in. Most of all, Annaka learned to allow God to heal her heart and restore her, fully. Soon, Annaka’s days of sobriety turned into weeks. Then months. As more time passed, Annaka was proud to say that she had changed. Completely changed.
OUT WITH THE OLD
Annaka’s old way of doing life alone is gone. Today, she surrounds herself with good people and healthy support. People who will tell her the truth and give her the grace to change.
“I’ve got a great case manager. I’ve got counseling. I’ve got a mentor. I’ve got a sponsor, a home group, and a church. I have a lot of support!”
If Annaka were asked to sum up her life-change in a single sentence, she would certainly say, “Every minute of this program is a hundred percent worth it!”
You gave Annaka a changed life through God’s love. Thank you for providing her with support to find a healed heart and a hope-filled life.
