From the Worst of Times to the Best of Times

In 1999, Fay was in an abusive marriage, struggling with alcoholism, and raising two young girls. “There was a lot of chaos in my life,” Fay recalls.

During one particularly terrible fight, Fay called the police which ultimately resulted in the loss of her apartment. She ended up in a hotel and ultimately moved into Bethany House.

Once at Bethany House, Fay and her daughters could relax. Fay was assigned a case manager who helped her qualify for an apartment with Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). Moving into her own apartment brought stability to Fay and her children.

 Sixteen years later, Fay has been sober for 14 years and works for Cincinnati Metro as a professional bus driver. Both daughters graduated from high school and college; the elder has a master’s degree.

 In 2019, Fay moved into her very own home in North College Hill, thanks to Habitat for Humanity. It took three years, but it was worth it! “I’m in a happy place now.”

 Fay learned a lot during her short time in Bethany House: “Bethany House helped me want better. It opened doors for me. I couldn’t have done it myself; it was a partnership.”

 Her advice for others going through a hard time is simple, “Let go of people and things holding you back. Never give up. Trust God and keep going!”

26 years later, and Fay is going strong! She is a testament to the healing happening under our roof. Bethany House is proud of the strides Fay has made and grateful to now have her back as a volunteer! She is an inspiration to us all.