Creating Light from Darkness: Dyamond’s Story
27-year-old Dyamond was living in her car, burdened with depression and anxiety, when one prayer changed her life.
Drowning in Darkness
Born in Austin, Texas, Dyamond moved to Atlanta at 23 years old to live closer to her boyfriend’s family after getting pregnant. When their relationship failed, his family got custody of their daughter, and Dyamond was left completely alone.
Dyamond Calls Out to God
“One night, I was smoking in my car and I had a mental breakdown,” said Dyamond. “I was working at Family Dollar for nine dollars an hour and they barely worked me. I prayed to God, ‘I will do anything at this point to turn my life around.’”
Broken, underemployed, with little money for food and no ability to see her child, Dyamond faced hopeless thoughts of suicide and was ready to give up.
“The morning after my mental breakdown, City of Refuge housing popped into my brain,” said Dyamond. “I called and was added to their wait-list. They said it was a three month wait.”
To Dyamond’s relief, God answered her prayers just two weeks later. City of Refuge had called her back early with an available room for her and her daughter, ultimately changing their lives.
Moving Into Eden Village
“Moving in was wonderful. I got my baby back and it was all just a blessing,” said Dyamond.
Her daughter started attending City Kids preschool, and Dyamond took time to heal with the help of her case manager. Then, when Dyamond was ready to look for a job, our staff referred her to Brick + Mortar.
Creating Light from Darkness
In 2021, Brick + Mortar created a Jobs Program at City of Refuge designed to give women like Dyamond employment and a place of safety to restart back into the real world.
"Our partnership with City of Refuge has added a layer to our business that is extremely motivating,” says founder, David Kowalski. “To walk alongside the highs and lows of residents’ journeys has been incredibly rewarding for us.”
A Newfound Support System
After interviewing and landing the job, Dyamond instantly fell in love with the team and candle making. With each candle she pours, she turns from her darkness and fills her days with light.
“I love City of Refuge because when I first got here, I was broken,” said Dyamond. “I was really, really broken. Everything was dark, and it was hard for me. But now, I can provide for my daughter and walk around light as a feather. It's just beautiful.”
Today, Dyamond continues to work at Brick + Mortar on our campus. She has officially moved into an apartment with her daughter, Alex, who graduated from our Pre-K class and is headed to Kindergarten.
Help us bring more light, hope, and transformation to amazing women like Dyamond by becoming a monthly partner today.
