One of the greatest privileges of our work at Lincoln is walking alongside our neighbors and witnessing how God meets them right where they are. The testimony below comes directly from Naj, a neighborhood resident. Her words are a powerful reminder of what can happen when love, consistency, and community come together.
Hello! My name is Naj. I've lived in Lincoln Village for almost four years, and I can honestly say being a part of the Lincoln community has been a huge blessing, a blessing I prayed for and very much needed.
I became a single mother at the age of 21, before I had even begun to venture into the world on my own. Due to past trauma and being sheltered, I became extremely reclusive and introverted as I got older. It became hard to hold on to relationships and my social anxiety increased. The fact that I am even here sharing my testimony is a complete turnaround from my previous mindset.
At 27, I gave birth to my daughter and began to feel overwhelming pressure to get my life together so I could provide a stable and healthy childhood for my kids. After living with my parents for a year, I applied for Lincoln housing with the help of Gerri Burnette and Kenya Epps, who both work there. At that time, my home life had become very difficult, and I was also struggling financially. All of this led to insecurities as a mom and as a person in general. Lincoln Village is truly an answered prayer.
When I first arrived, I was very shy and still reclusive. My credit did not exist, budgeting was nowhere on my mind, and saving money felt impossible. While being in Lincoln Village, I have strengthened my relationship with God, raised my credit score with the help of Kenya and the budgeting classes, and purchased a car on my own for the very first time. I was also able to focus on my career, which led to better pay, insurance, and more stability for my family.
Lincoln Village also provided me with a counselor, which led to testing and an ADD diagnosis that I did not realize was there. I was able to get the help I needed. Kenya helped push me out of my bubble and become more open with people. Without her guidance and Gerri's, I would still be the quiet and reclusive Naj.
I no longer have to worry about housing stability, and I now have goals for my future, including going back to school and one day owning a home. This opportunity truly altered my life for the better.
I am no longer just surviving. I am building.
Thank you for allowing God to use you to help those of us in need!
