Denise's Story
Denise Herrera, Original Program Director
In 2010, I began a journey of physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. I had some habits and addictive behaviors that were causing my health to decline. I began working a 12 step program through Celebrate Recovery. With God’s help and people who understood and cared, I was able to make some changes that resulted in improved health in all three areas.
Part of recovery and change has been giving back and sharing my journey. Sponsoring other women who have sought change in their lives has been a big part of my recovery. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of helping many women work through their own struggles. They have worked through many issues including addiction, incarceration and domestic violence. They, like me, seek lasting change in life and someone to help them through the process of achieving it.
How can I hear them and not be motivated to help others in similar situations? I can’t. God has given me these experiences for a reason. I care about these women and their families and want to make a difference in their lives.
Dennyse's Story
I have always loved family. So much so that when I was a teen I wanted 12 kids! But it isn't just family for me, its healthy family! I want and I want others to experience family as God created family to be.
In early spring of 2016 I learned that one of my dearest friends needed transitional housing and resources.. The next year brought change and difficulties, but through it all I've learned four big lessons.
It's super-hard to do this on your own.
Families in traumatic situations don't always have a lot of built-in support from church family, like my friend does.
Money is super-tight and housing for women with children (especially with older, male children) is hard to find.
These families need community and they need tools to become healthy and able to thrive, and not simply survive.
Leah's Hope was started to create a community that will empower families for success.
Dennyse Snyder,
Original Executive Director, Retired