Motherhood: Lives Redeemed at Redemption House

Families Reunited

Lives Redeemed at Redemption House

By Lindsey Coleman | Photos provided Redemption House is a faith-based, court-ordered residency program that offers an opportunity for true change for women: the chance to be in a place where past mistakes do not have to be part of their future, and where mothers and grandmothers can be drawn closer to their children.

This program serves 32 women at a time between its two houses, and it is continuing to expand its graduate housing, where alumni can exit back into the “real world” with gentle support until they’re ready for the next step in their journey. The leader of this charge is Redemption House’s executive director Tomi Cardin. Once she determined God was calling her to work with this population, Cardin worked hard to become a prison chaplain. She solidified her reputation in the community and was asked to take over a similar organization, Wings of Hope, in 2012. However, after assessing the program as it stood, she realized it needed an overhau l— and thus, Redemption House was born. “I had never run a transition house before, so I had to figure out what I was doing. It was a decision every day to do what God called me to do. It’s challenging, but also invigorating. We’re given the opportunity to focus on the core of every woman here,” Cardin said. “Being a part of the lives of women who come through our program is as honor,” she said. “We get to see them graduate after watching them come in at an ugly, heartbreaking spot, and graduate sometimes even glowing. We’re so grateful they get to be celebrated in an environment where God can work in their lives. We’re not responsible for the true change that takes place in these lives, but we’re honored to play a part.” Since 2012, over 200 women have graduated from this six-month program, with over 90 percent being mothers. For many residents, a large piece of their goal is to be the mother they desire to be. Throughout the program, they learn skills to help them not only be better mothers, but also to ensure

they maintain their recovery, so they can be present in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Cardin’s daughter, Markia Cardin, grew up serving alongside her mother at Redemption House, and is now on staff and going to college as the next step in her journey to hopefully help facilitate the program in the future. “Redemption House is the most amazing thing that could ever have happened for me and my mom,” she said. “To see [my mom] do what God intended really taught me to do what you’re passionate about. I’m a helper at heart, and as long as I’m doing that and God’s in the mix, I’m content.” Once the mission of the program impacts you, it’s hard to resist partnering with the organization to help women redeem their lives. Echo Smith is a graduate of the program who currently lives in one of the graduate houses and now serves on staff as the Donation Coordinator. Smith came into the program as an addict, with two teenage children and a desire to change. “As soon as I got arrested, I was kind of relieved,” she said. “I got sick of running and living so rough. The cop who picked me up told me, ‘You don’t have to live like this.’ Her saying that really started the most beautiful process. I received what she was saying so well. After a short time at Park Center, I applied to come to the halfway house here. I knew I needed the strictest program and Redemption House was that.” Smith learned a lot about herself during her time in the program, and even more about being a mother — she learned that being a mother sometimes means putting yourself first, and establishing boundaries between yourself and those that may trigger you - even your children — so that you can be the best version of yourself in the future. “Moms always want to nurture, but sometimes, there may be more longevity to your relationship if you establish boundaries. We can plant seeds, but the only one whose journey we can control is our own,” Smith said. “Tomi and Markia are great. I don’t think I could be clean or a decent mother and grandma without them reminding me of what it was all for. Amongst all the crazy stuff, there have been truly beautiful things. I’ve gotten to meet so many people open to receiving any kind of love, and I’m so happy I get to be a part of that [at Redemption House.]” Redemption House is hosting its Butterfly Gala, an event celebrating transformation and sharing stories from and by women whose lives have been redeemed because of this organization on April 13, 2022, at the Grand Wayne Center — all are welcome to attend. Donations of any sort, including clothing, furniture and household items can be donated to Redemption House at any time by emailing Smith at echo@redemptionhousefw.org. a

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