Carlotta’s Story

Carlotta’s Story

I really through it just sounded too good to be true. - Read Full Story

Maybe you’re asking God for the sun in your life, but somehow, you’ve received a lot of rain. I have been reminded not to be discouraged, not only is God in control of our circumstances and plans, but He is able to bring good from any situation. “’I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not harm you. To give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words from Jeremiah have been my words of inspiration for a long time. God has done what He said in Jeremiah. He is very true to His word.

In 2003 I recall going through a very complicated and disturbing trial in my life. I was married to a very abusive husband with two children, eight years apart. My son has autism and growing up my daughter was extremely afraid of him. She would hide under her bed petrified that he would come after us. She feared what he would do. My daughter’s father threatened to take her away if I didn’t obtain help for Carlos. Finally, I had to separate my children and have Carlos placed in a group home. This was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Carlos was 6 ft tall and weighed 300 pounds. He didn’t have expressive language and would become very aggressive when I couldn’t understand his needs.

During this time, I was being physically beaten for not allowing my ex-husband into our house. He would bang on the door every morning trying to mentally, sexually, and physically torture me. I was at a very low point in my life, totally helpless, in despair, burdened and less than a mom. My heart, mind and body were crushed. I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t. I knew my kids really needed me.

I would look through ads in The Huntsville Times. I saw the ad about the Christian Women’s Job Corps. They were accepting applications for women who needed computer skills, money management, tutoring mentors, and Bible studies – all free of charge. They even had a clothes closet if someone was in need of clothing for job interviews. I got excited each time I saw the ad, but I was so used to being rejected, I carried a lot of negative thoughts. I really thought it just sounded too good to be true. I knew somebody else would probably benefit more from this program. But I wondered – what if I made the call? Would I even get an interview? But I did get that interview and was accepted into the class of 2003.

I knew God hadn’t forgotten me.

The first day of class Elaine had everyone introduce herself and tell a bit about our life. I was the only one in class who cried after I stated my name. I couldn’t seem to get past the pain and hurt I was still carrying at that time.

The instructors embraced me with love and understanding. I learned Microsoft and Excel skills. Each week we had a successful woman come to class and speak about how she became successful and overcame various barriers. They were a source of inspiration. We went on trips to different museums. We learned techniques for job interviews. I was the only student to receive an award for perfect attendance. (We ate well too. Thanks to women from local churches).

Most of all I felt loved, encouraged, inspired, appreciated, and finally accept- ed. I began to feel self-worth again. I am grateful and honored to say how blessed I am that God connected me to this awesome program called the Christian Wom- en’s Job Corps.

I am currently a Property Manager at Lenox Park Apartments in Huntsville, a senior subsidized community for residents 55 and older. I lead Bible study and many community activities. My adult children are doing well. I have now been married for 12 years to a retired 20-year veteran.

For it was by God’s Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Blind but now I see.

2018-10-31T15:44:58+00:00

Maybe you’re asking God for the sun in your life, but somehow, you’ve received a lot of rain. I have been reminded not to be discouraged, not only is God in control of our circumstances and plans, but He is able to bring good from any situation. “’I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not harm you. To give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words from Jeremiah have been my words of inspiration for a long time. God has done what He said in Jeremiah. He is very true to His word.

In 2003 I recall going through a very complicated and disturbing trial in my life. I was married to a very abusive husband with two children, eight years apart. My son has autism and growing up my daughter was extremely afraid of him. She would hide under her bed petrified that he would come after us. She feared what he would do. My daughter’s father threatened to take her away if I didn’t obtain help for Carlos. Finally, I had to separate my children and have Carlos placed in a group home. This was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Carlos was 6 ft tall and weighed 300 pounds. He didn’t have expressive language and would become very aggressive when I couldn’t understand his needs.

During this time, I was being physically beaten for not allowing my ex-husband into our house. He would bang on the door every morning trying to mentally, sexually, and physically torture me. I was at a very low point in my life, totally helpless, in despair, burdened and less than a mom. My heart, mind and body were crushed. I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t. I knew my kids really needed me.

I would look through ads in The Huntsville Times. I saw the ad about the Christian Women’s Job Corps. They were accepting applications for women who needed computer skills, money management, tutoring mentors, and Bible studies – all free of charge. They even had a clothes closet if someone was in need of clothing for job interviews. I got excited each time I saw the ad, but I was so used to being rejected, I carried a lot of negative thoughts. I really thought it just sounded too good to be true. I knew somebody else would probably benefit more from this program. But I wondered – what if I made the call? Would I even get an interview? But I did get that interview and was accepted into the class of 2003.

I knew God hadn’t forgotten me.

The first day of class Elaine had everyone introduce herself and tell a bit about our life. I was the only one in class who cried after I stated my name. I couldn’t seem to get past the pain and hurt I was still carrying at that time.

The instructors embraced me with love and understanding. I learned Microsoft and Excel skills. Each week we had a successful woman come to class and speak about how she became successful and overcame various barriers. They were a source of inspiration. We went on trips to different museums. We learned techniques for job interviews. I was the only student to receive an award for perfect attendance. (We ate well too. Thanks to women from local churches).

Most of all I felt loved, encouraged, inspired, appreciated, and finally accept- ed. I began to feel self-worth again. I am grateful and honored to say how blessed I am that God connected me to this awesome program called the Christian Wom- en’s Job Corps.

I am currently a Property Manager at Lenox Park Apartments in Huntsville, a senior subsidized community for residents 55 and older. I lead Bible study and many community activities. My adult children are doing well. I have now been married for 12 years to a retired 20-year veteran.

For it was by God’s Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Blind but now I see.

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