Joan B.
Testimony to ministry
I arrived at Lenox Hill Shelter for Women in July 2008, feeling sickly and weak. Sorrow had taken the place of joy, because of my dire circumstances. At least one and a half years earlier I had undergone a year-long treatment of chemotherapy. Then came the death of my beloved mother, followed by homelessness. Homeless was something I’d never experienced in my life, so I was completely unprepared for it. I came to this place fearful, and feeling abandoned by God. If one more tragic situation happened to me, I felt I might have a nervous breakdown.
Eventually I settled into my new environment, but I found myself getting sick often. The chemo had almost destroyed my immune system, and left me so vulnerable. The women there made me so uneasy, because most of them were also sick and mentally ill.
As the days turned into weeks I grew more comfortable, so with Bible in hand I got to know some of the women. Upon hearing some of their stories and sharing my own, we began to bond. Still there was loneliness and a feeling of abandonment that stayed with me.
One morning, a ministry called LEFSA came to the shelter to minister to the women. My curiosity was piqued, but I kept my distance and just observed. The more times LEFSA came, the more I found myself wanting to be a part of it. Looking forward to seeing these angels of mercy arrive, just to see their smiling faces, brought me so much joy. So I became a part of the group when they came.
I felt that God had sent His love to me through LEFSA, telling me “don’t worry, I’m with you, and everything will be alright.” This ministry changed my depression and heartbreak to joy. I even got back my voice. Before I had no desire to sing, but God changed things so drastically for me, all I wanted to do was sing His praises. From that point on I no longer saw myself as a victim. I realized that I been placed at Lenox Hill for a reason, and I began to minister to the ladies, helping them in any way I could. The Lord really helped me understand that it really wasn’t about me, it was about speaking encouragement, kindness, and spreading God’s love throughout the shelter. In less than a year the Lord gave me my heart’s desire in a one-bedroom apartment, where I reside today.
This was the beginning of my becoming a part of LEFSA, and I’ve never looked back. I attend their gatherings, such as the women’s group and all the Leadership Study Days and holiday celebrations. In November 2014 at LEFSA’s Thanksgiving celebration, an announcement was made asking for singers for their Christmas celebration. I volunteered, and the gospel choir called the Daughters of LEFSA was born. It has truly been a ride of love, joy, peace and hope. To God be the glory!
LEFSA changed my life by opening a window of opportunity for me to meet many like-minded men and women, who share my love for God. It’s also given me a platform to use the gifts God has given me. There are so many wonderful memories and experiences I have with LEFSA, but the one I’ve never forgotten was the first retreat at Mariandale, while Sister Dorothy was alive. This event set the tone for everything that’s happening in my life today.
My desire is that many will come to know how LEFSA has changed people’s lives for the better. Many come battered and broken, but experience radical change if they remain. LEFSA is a life-changing ministry with God at its center.
Related Stories
Read what LEFSA participants, team members, and volunteers have to say.
Lisa
Lisa - Bringing out the love
I first starting coming to LEFSA’s women’s group in 2002 when a community member recommended me to the ministry. There I was introduced to Sr. Dorothy, who instantly made me feel really loved.
Timothy
They’ve seen their father become someone
You will know my disciples because they show love for one another. When you come to this community, that is what you are going to get. It takes time to work on people, but it works. It worked on me.
Janet
Support, encouragement and care
Several years ago, I arrived at Life Experience and Faith Sharing Associates, homeless and pregnant. Sr. Dorothy befriended me during that time when my life seemed to be falling apart. She encouraged me to get medical care and pregnancy counseling.
Amoy Chung
Encouraging and uplifting each other
“I honestly feel selfish for enjoying LEFSA the way I have. It was a very humbling experience that I will definitely cherish. At LEFSA, I feel at home. I always feel a sense of calm and serenity once the meetings start.
Lucy, LEFSA Housing Advocate
Food for the soul
In the beginning, being homeless was depressing. I was angry, ashamed, and upset for being in that predicament. I had no relationship with God. One day, I came in early from work and went to the Rec Room and ...
James Butler
It’s a blessing
It’s been our blessing to provide this service. So many people have said to us, ‘we thought you were not coming out today, but it’s a blessing you are here for us.’ And we are there, every Monday, whether it’s cold or warm outside.
Johnnie
A beautiful and warm feeling
I was in a shelter at Ward Island and one week I was told about a gathering, where they give us food and talk to us. At the time, my mom had cervical cancer. She was my partner and confidant. When I met James,
Joan B.
Testimony to ministry
I arrived at Lenox Hill Shelter for Women in July 2008, feeling sickly and weak. Sorrow had taken the place of joy, because of my dire circumstances. At least one and a half years earlier I had undergone a year-long treatment of chemotherapy.
Jorjina
LEFSA as a Family
When I was at a very low point in my life, someone invited me to the LEFSA Women’s Group. Fortunately, I was not working that day,
Grace
God had something for me
“The retreat was beautiful and overwhelming. The people that I met, the staff, the team, the ladies and the men and Martindale—everyone touched my heart deeply. I was invited by Georgia and Pamela,
Debbie Canty
We are always here
“I met LEFSA in 2004. I’d been staying at New Providence Women’s Shelter and was on my way to sign out, and I heard gospel songs, like my mom used to sing. Sr. Dorothy walked up to me and invited me in.
James, LEFSA Team Member
Feeling alive again
It was 2011 when I first entered LEFSA’s Men’s Spiritual Development Group. I happened to hear some men talking about it at St. Bart’s Soup Kitchen and decided to join them the following day.
James Addison
Getting life back
LEFSA gave me my life back. It didn’t just give me my life back, it gave me my family’s life back too. Because when I got better, my family got better also. And not only did my family get better, but my community got a little better.
Donna
Drawn to the positivity
I’d been at Franklin Women’s Shelter and was feeling depressed and down. I was sitting in the corner and didn’t have a sense of direction or know which way to go. I had been working in-home care,
Cameron
Feeling at home
“I got involved with LEFSA though my sister, Althea, about 6 years ago. I attended the LEFSA picnic and was amazed by how many people were there—by the food, camaraderie and the whole good feeling you got. ”
John Wesley Mitchell
Little Miracles
A couple of weeks after I moved out of the shelter and into my apartment, I was confined to a wheelchair. One night while coming home, a lady smiled at me and said: “you need LEFSA.” Somehow she knew
Mario Pimentel
Finding Faith Again with LEFSA
Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Mario and I’m a 54 year old Dominican raised in West Harlem. I met LEFSA while living in the Boulevard Men’s Shelter on Lexington Avenue. Let me say it’s a very dark place,
Brittany Robert
Inspirational and life changing
Thank you to all of the members of LEFSA for welcoming us into your phenomenal community. Each and every one of you is inspiring, and what you do is extraordinary.
Althea Craig-Morelli
Reconnected Through LEFSA
I became affiliated with LEFSA in 2011 when I was living in Lenox Hill Women’s Shelter on Park Avenue. I always believed in God and that all people are children of God. Every week I looked forward to LEFSA coming to the shelter.
Iris Sankey-Lewis
Living is giving
If you can envision two white nuns, neatly dressed with religious pins on the fronts of their blouses, wearing sneakers, and pulling shopping carts through the streets of Harlem, those were Sr. Dorothy Gallant and Sr. Teresa Skehan.