The phones have been pretty silent recently. Here's some short stories to motivate you.

Cheyenne

A hurricane evacuee, Cheyenne left New Orleans by helicopter after suffering multiple strokes and seizures and arrived in Indianapolis unable to walk, talk, read or write. Through the staff of at The Salvation Army Social Service Center of Central Indianapolis, she has now regained all her motorskills, nearly doubled her weight from 77lbs to 135lbs, and most importantly holds a renewed sense of self worth as the self proclaimed "Salvation Army's Next Top Model."

"I would probably be dead now. I had no family, no friends. Only The Salvation Army would open their doors," said Cheyenne.

After being aided by the Salvation army for over two years, it is time for Cheyenne to go off on her own. Now enrolled in college, she hopes to have an impact on people that were once in need of help as she was.

"I'm exiting Friday, but I will be back to uplift the women in the domestic violence class and all my clothes will be recycled in the Sally Shop."

Sheila

After suffering many years of mistreatment and conspiring a detailed plan to leave, Sheila found refuge from her husband's abuse at The Salvation Army social service center.
"When I walked in, it opened a whole new door I thought was closed," said Sheila. "I knew once I was inside those doors, I was safe."

This was Sheila's second trip to The Army. The first time, she returned to the abuse. Now six month's strong on the road to rebuilding her life, there's no turning back.
"When I got here, I was stripped to nothing. I've gained so much confidence," said Sheila. "There is a lot of love here and you can feel it."

The Salvation Army offered Sheila the chance to start her life again providing legal advice and domestic abuse counseling, however Sheila felt the most important part was the spiritual healing she received.

"No one here is afraid to mention the spiritual. That's the healing and that's what's at the base of The Salvation Army," said Sheila. "With God's help, I know there's something waiting for me."

Maria

Time ran out for Maria when she turned 18 and aged out of foster care. With no family, money, life skills or diploma, she turned to The Salvation Army social service center.

Through the help of caring staff members and a mentoring roommate, Maria now sees that time has not run out, its really just a new begining.

Ray

After completiing degrees in chemistry, physics and music, Ray expected to obtain a successsful career in the workforce with ease. When opportunity didn't come knocking in a timely manner, he turned to drugs to subdue his depression.
Ray has only been at the Harbor Light substance abuse recovery center for one week, and it has already changed his life.

"It was desperate times before Harbor Light," said Ray. "My life was spiraling downhill very quickly."

Now Ray spends his time busy in daily programs and meetings in addition to keeping his skills sharp by attending GED classes. Bonding with people with similar stories to his helps keep Ray motivated to stay on the right track.

"Harbor Light was such a heaven send," said Ray. "It removed the fog and lifted the veil. Now I can see clearly."

Jerome

Jerome credits the Harbor Light Center for being the safety net that kept him afloat when hope was lost.

"I was drowning in a sea of addiction and The Salvation Army through me a lifeline," said Jerome.

Two weeks after vowing to change his life, Jerome says through the caring staff of the center he's learned the source of his addiction. Soon, he'll be ready to tackle life in the real world again.

"They've helped me to want to become a productive member of society again," said Jerome

Jeff

Eleven days into his stay at Harbor Light and Jeff still remembers the chaos his life became when he lost his job due to his drug use.

"I was in a hotel room with a bottle of pills ready to kill myself," said Jeff.

He now resides in residential treatment and hopes to stay clean and continue his treatment.

"Since I've been here, things have opened back up with God. They're giving me a foundation so I can make it in life," said Jeff. "I fee alive on the inside again."

Tasha

Tasha's family gave up on her when her habit took over her life. Taking this as an opportunity to start fresh, she turned to Harbor Light.

"I soaked up everything they had to offer," said Tasha. "I learned to deal with life without mind or mood altering substances."

The spiritual element that The Salvation Army brings to its consumers made all the difference for Tasha.

"I hadn't been to church in ten years. This was my first time opening a bible. I found my God and he's done wonders for me," she said.

Jackie

"I was on the path to complete destruction when I totally surrendered myself to doing the right thing. I've experienced the jails and institutions. There was nothing left but death. When I was in the streets, I was doing thing I know weren't right. I've learned no matter what trials and tribulations I go through, I do not have to pick up drugs. Salvation Army Harbor Light can save your life."

Robyn

Addiction had overpowered Robyn when she was court ordered to seek help at Harbor Light center as the first steps toward getting her children back from child protective services.

"When I first got here, I couldn't walk with my head up," said Robyn. "My addiction ended my marriage and I lost custody of my children. I binged on drugs for a year, barely eating of bathing."

Her ex-husband being a past successs story of Harbor Light led Robyn to realize that the same program could work for her as well.

"I feared asking for help for fear of failing," she said.
"Addiction goes so much deeper than the use of drugs, but lack of acceptance for reality. Here I've gained self worth. I want to be one of those winners that new people can look to.

Call 1-877-717-3223 or click Donate Now! at the top.