Living Up to Her Name: Praise’s Faith and Resilience

August 30, 2024

Praise Williams, a resilient mother of three, came to the Sanctuary Women’s Development Center in April 2024. She learned about the center when someone at the City Rescue Mission “sang nothing but praises about Catholic Charities,” and she was intrigued.

“I wanted to see for myself,” Praise explains.

Since 2020, Praise has faced the harsh reality of homelessness off and on, following a difficult divorce that led to the loss of her job. On top of that, she has been seeking deliverance from addictions to marijuana, cigarettes, and alcohol. These challenges have weighed heavily on her, especially as a mother to a grown 26-year-old daughter, a 16-year-old son, and a 10-year-old girl. The most heartbreaking aspect of her experience, she says, has been witnessing the lack of dignity shown to others who are also struggling.

"We all have stories that explain how we got to this point," she reflects. "We all have struggles; it’s not that hard to be kind. Then God blessed me with Catholic Charities, which truly represents God’s love."

At Sanctuary, Praise found more than just a place to meet her immediate needs; she discovered a supportive community. She has made use of all the amenities, from showers and laundry facilities to receiving hygiene packs, clothes, and meals, and accessing services like document copying, faxing, and simply resting on a couch.

Reflecting on her time at Sanctuary, she says, "I’m most thankful for all the love, support, consistency, and protection I’ve received. The ability to socialize and build strong, hopeful relationships by sharing our testimonies is what makes Sanctuary so special."

“They truly care and go over and beyond for us,” she adds with heartfelt gratitude. “It’s my place of peace and normalcy after sometimes chaotic days.”

True to her name, Praise consistently expresses gratitude towards God for the blessings she’s received, despite the hardships she’s faced.

Things are beginning to turn around for Praise. She is receiving case management support at the City Rescue Mission, while continuing to benefit from services at Sanctuary. Recently, she received a housing voucher and financial support for a new home. “I’ve been blessed with a voucher and financial funding for housing,” she shares. “I’m just waiting on the inspector. I also just completed onboarding to be a substitute teacher for Oklahoma City schools. Glory be to God!”

In the short term, Praise's goal is a practical one: to furnish her new home. She is excited about having a space of her own where she can walk in her purpose and do what she loves. Her long-term vision is to minister to those experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction and to “be a village” for their children.

Through it all, she has remained positive by staying connected with other women at the center, whom she affectionately calls her "sisters."

“I surround myself with others who want to grow, evolve, need empowerment, and share the resources God made available to all of us,” she explains. “I also found a place to worship and start serving in the community where needed, and most of all, fully rely on God!”