Nicole honored at Strayer University
Nicole was rewarded last night with this certificate because she has maintained a 4.0 average in her studies at Strayer University. She is majoring in business management and has a dream to open her own bookstore/cafe someday. She is well on her way to achieve her goals because she has stayed focused on her studies, but more importantly she has stayed focused on the Lord. Psalm 25:4-5 says; "Show me thy ways O Lord, teach me thy paths. Lead me in they truth and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation."
God tells us to love God and love people, so that's what we do at NH4W
Alicia
Alicia is another success story, why? Because when the Lord wanted to rescue her, she humbled herself, and acknowledged her need for Him in her life. As the Lord revealed His love for her and then did amazing things to arrange for her release from jail, Alicia couldn't help but fall in love with Him. Today Alicia enjoys life on the outside. Is it easy picking up the pieces of life after serving time? No, but Alicia prefers to walk forward in this journey with the Lord over the rough spots, then to turn around and go back to a life spiraling out of control without God's presence.
Sharon Shantz with Pastor Gayle
Tiffany's World
My name is Sharon Shantz a.k.a. Tiffany Rebstreake, PP# 809360. After years of physical and emotional abuse, multiple rapes and a lot of verbal belittling, my low self esteem gave way to the created character Tiffany, who lived a life of drugs and prostitution. Most of my abuse came from a man I thought loved me and convinced me I needed him. This man provided me shelter, clothing, food and of course all the drugs I wanted, in the beginning. Desperate to be loved, I worked for him as a prostitute along with many other women on Kensington Ave. Some people think overcoming drugs addiction is the hardest bondage to get set free from, but for me that was secondary to my addiction to "Teddy" the pimp. Five years ago I met Chaplain Muller at Riverside Correctional Facility who patienetly shared God's love and spent countless hours ministering to me, one on one. I would get released, make all kinds of empty promises but within a few weeks find myself behind bars at RCF for drug related charges or prostitution again. In 2007, Chaplain Muller asked me to take a five day a week program, New Hope For Women. Surrounded by supportive and loving instructors, I was taught about a Heavenly Father's unconditional love and His plans for a purpose in my life. Classes included Sexual Brokenness, Overcoming Bitterness, Character Development, Emotional Healing, and Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. Hopeful after graduating from the program that I had learned how to walk away from my sinful behaviors, I expected to make if this time on the outside. But along came "Teddy" and I fell in the same death trap. This time Chaplain Muller found me on a street corner in the middle of a "business call". That didn't seem to matter to her, she told me to get in her car and she drove me to her Kensington office where others were worshipping God. Ashamed. embarrassed, dirty and of course high, I was so uncomfortable and didn't want these godly people to see me this way. I was surprised how they showed me the same love and acceptance as before and spent a long time trying to offer help to keep me from leaving. But I left only to be rearrested and back in Chaplain Muller's prison office, crying. This time was different. Ther Chaplain said that the Lord told her to stop praying for me. that shook me to the core. I was always depending on other Christians to seek God for me, now frightened that even God was giving up on me I knew it was time for me to get serious with God. That became a life changing moment for me. After 13 times being incarcerated in the Philadelphia Prison System, once in Delaware aand two times in suburban counties, I was finally able to move beyond life behind bars, reject the lies from "Teddy" and lay "Tiffany" to rest. She didn't die easily, but on February 12, 2008 the Lord asked me to be His valentine. I was released that day and have remained clean and sober ever since. I now know I am truly loved by God, and although some days are still difficult, I am learning to trust Jesus. I have learned that a mindset is changed when we spend time reading God's Word. Romans 12:1,2 says our mind is renewed. Today with my renewed mind, I have a new love for me and self respect because I am able to see myself through God's heart. Two years ago, when I was set free from prison, I realized my freedom was deeper than just living on the outside. I was free from the power of sin that held me in bondage to a puimp, a lifestyle of prostitution and addiction and was elevated to a freedom in Christ to choose not to live habitually in sin because as the Bible says, "Who the Son sets free, is Really free indeed." God is teaching me daily to live by faith and reminds me that "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." I have been blessed to return to RCF on several occasions with New Hope For Women as a guest speaker to encourage other inmates to choose God and allow Him to guide them into the life He created for them. I love being able to help others, and look forward to my visits back behind bars. If I could give one word of advice to women trapped in "Tiffany's world, I would say, "you have given many men a piece of your heart, and they broke it, shattered your dreams and killed your spirit- give Jesus a chance to heal you and set you free from the years of pain and torment. If He can change me, He can change anyone."
Sharon now lives at the New Hope For Women transitional Home, Ramah Bethel and attends church at the River of Life Church in Kensington.
My name is Sharon Shantz a.k.a. Tiffany Rebstreake, PP# 809360. After years of physical and emotional abuse, multiple rapes and a lot of verbal belittling, my low self esteem gave way to the created character Tiffany, who lived a life of drugs and prostitution. Most of my abuse came from a man I thought loved me and convinced me I needed him. This man provided me shelter, clothing, food and of course all the drugs I wanted, in the beginning. Desperate to be loved, I worked for him as a prostitute along with many other women on Kensington Ave. Some people think overcoming drugs addiction is the hardest bondage to get set free from, but for me that was secondary to my addiction to "Teddy" the pimp. Five years ago I met Chaplain Muller at Riverside Correctional Facility who patienetly shared God's love and spent countless hours ministering to me, one on one. I would get released, make all kinds of empty promises but within a few weeks find myself behind bars at RCF for drug related charges or prostitution again. In 2007, Chaplain Muller asked me to take a five day a week program, New Hope For Women. Surrounded by supportive and loving instructors, I was taught about a Heavenly Father's unconditional love and His plans for a purpose in my life. Classes included Sexual Brokenness, Overcoming Bitterness, Character Development, Emotional Healing, and Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. Hopeful after graduating from the program that I had learned how to walk away from my sinful behaviors, I expected to make if this time on the outside. But along came "Teddy" and I fell in the same death trap. This time Chaplain Muller found me on a street corner in the middle of a "business call". That didn't seem to matter to her, she told me to get in her car and she drove me to her Kensington office where others were worshipping God. Ashamed. embarrassed, dirty and of course high, I was so uncomfortable and didn't want these godly people to see me this way. I was surprised how they showed me the same love and acceptance as before and spent a long time trying to offer help to keep me from leaving. But I left only to be rearrested and back in Chaplain Muller's prison office, crying. This time was different. Ther Chaplain said that the Lord told her to stop praying for me. that shook me to the core. I was always depending on other Christians to seek God for me, now frightened that even God was giving up on me I knew it was time for me to get serious with God. That became a life changing moment for me. After 13 times being incarcerated in the Philadelphia Prison System, once in Delaware aand two times in suburban counties, I was finally able to move beyond life behind bars, reject the lies from "Teddy" and lay "Tiffany" to rest. She didn't die easily, but on February 12, 2008 the Lord asked me to be His valentine. I was released that day and have remained clean and sober ever since. I now know I am truly loved by God, and although some days are still difficult, I am learning to trust Jesus. I have learned that a mindset is changed when we spend time reading God's Word. Romans 12:1,2 says our mind is renewed. Today with my renewed mind, I have a new love for me and self respect because I am able to see myself through God's heart. Two years ago, when I was set free from prison, I realized my freedom was deeper than just living on the outside. I was free from the power of sin that held me in bondage to a puimp, a lifestyle of prostitution and addiction and was elevated to a freedom in Christ to choose not to live habitually in sin because as the Bible says, "Who the Son sets free, is Really free indeed." God is teaching me daily to live by faith and reminds me that "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." I have been blessed to return to RCF on several occasions with New Hope For Women as a guest speaker to encourage other inmates to choose God and allow Him to guide them into the life He created for them. I love being able to help others, and look forward to my visits back behind bars. If I could give one word of advice to women trapped in "Tiffany's world, I would say, "you have given many men a piece of your heart, and they broke it, shattered your dreams and killed your spirit- give Jesus a chance to heal you and set you free from the years of pain and torment. If He can change me, He can change anyone."
Sharon now lives at the New Hope For Women transitional Home, Ramah Bethel and attends church at the River of Life Church in Kensington.
Sheila
Sheila stayed at the New Hope For Women Home and now lives in her own apartment with her children. She is doing good. 2011
Julie Vellos (on right) with Valerie
Out of my 46 years of life, I have hustled 38 of them. Born in Texas, raised in Belize, Central America, I learned at an early age that our tropical paradise" was really a poverty stricken country where it was hustle or be hustled. At 5 years of age my mother moved from Belize with my brother back to Texas. I was left behind to be raised by my grandparents. The only thing I ever learned from my dad was how to sell ganja by the time I was 7. I grew it, chopped, weighed, and bricked it, smoked and sold it. To a young girl living in poverty, big drug money became an addiction, but it came with a price. 5 years in a Mexican prison, then 2 years in Illinois, and finally my last run on a cruise from Philly to Bermuda came to an abrupt end landing me in Riverside Correctional Facility on State Rd. Tired of prison life and desperate, God got my attention and said, "It's got to be My way-get a Bible and read it." At RCF I attended Bible Studies, and I learned I needed a personal relationship with Jesus. One night I promised the Lord not to move weight if He released me. Although facing 8-10 years, I only did 9 months before being released. For the past 18 months I have been at NHFW studying God's Word and now realize I am no longer the person I was, I am a new Creation in Christ Jesus." 2007
2010 Update on Julie Vellos: Julie successfully finished her probation.
Annette Pantuso
Annette came to New Hope For Women to live in our Ramah Bethel Home in 2004. She had many challenges in life, but learned that God forgives all our sin. She hoped for a new start in life with a new husband and new baby, however things didn't work out the way she thought. Her husband could not keep his job because his old drug habits consumed him. It wasn't long before Annette found herself alone and homeless with a baby trying to do the right thing. There were many temptations for her, sometimes she gave in, but always felt the Holy Spirit's conviction and would ask for prayer and she would repent of her ways. Tragically in the spring of 2009 the doctor found an aggressive form of cancer that took her life in July. Her daughter Star just turned 4 years old this fall. Annette has four other children by another relationship. One thing is for sure, as Annette's body was being ravaged by cancer, she had made multiple phone calls to me for prayer and when it was near the end, she was ready to meet Jesus.
Out of my 46 years of life, I have hustled 38 of them. Born in Texas, raised in Belize, Central America, I learned at an early age that our tropical paradise" was really a poverty stricken country where it was hustle or be hustled. At 5 years of age my mother moved from Belize with my brother back to Texas. I was left behind to be raised by my grandparents. The only thing I ever learned from my dad was how to sell ganja by the time I was 7. I grew it, chopped, weighed, and bricked it, smoked and sold it. To a young girl living in poverty, big drug money became an addiction, but it came with a price. 5 years in a Mexican prison, then 2 years in Illinois, and finally my last run on a cruise from Philly to Bermuda came to an abrupt end landing me in Riverside Correctional Facility on State Rd. Tired of prison life and desperate, God got my attention and said, "It's got to be My way-get a Bible and read it." At RCF I attended Bible Studies, and I learned I needed a personal relationship with Jesus. One night I promised the Lord not to move weight if He released me. Although facing 8-10 years, I only did 9 months before being released. For the past 18 months I have been at NHFW studying God's Word and now realize I am no longer the person I was, I am a new Creation in Christ Jesus." 2007
2010 Update on Julie Vellos: Julie successfully finished her probation.
Annette Pantuso
Annette came to New Hope For Women to live in our Ramah Bethel Home in 2004. She had many challenges in life, but learned that God forgives all our sin. She hoped for a new start in life with a new husband and new baby, however things didn't work out the way she thought. Her husband could not keep his job because his old drug habits consumed him. It wasn't long before Annette found herself alone and homeless with a baby trying to do the right thing. There were many temptations for her, sometimes she gave in, but always felt the Holy Spirit's conviction and would ask for prayer and she would repent of her ways. Tragically in the spring of 2009 the doctor found an aggressive form of cancer that took her life in July. Her daughter Star just turned 4 years old this fall. Annette has four other children by another relationship. One thing is for sure, as Annette's body was being ravaged by cancer, she had made multiple phone calls to me for prayer and when it was near the end, she was ready to meet Jesus.
Barbara
I have been living at New Hope For Women for two years now. I was released from Riverside Correctional Facility for felony charges and it has been a real struggle for me to get employment. I lost custody of my three boys because of bad choices I have made in the past. But Chaplain Muller has mentored me in and out of prison and I am learning to accept things. I am allowed to have visits with my boys and those times are special for me. Barbara K, 2010
Barbara has moved into her own apartment and has a great relationship with her sons and keeps in touch with them daily. 2011
Micelle Levenick Rizzo
I met Chaplain Muller while I was in prison serving time for drug charges. She invited me to come to New Hope For Women after I left, to live at the Ramah Bethel Home. Here I learned how much God loved me and had a plan for my life. I wanted so badly to show Him my love, but after leaving the program I fell into many old traps. Battling over the next few years to overcome my addiction I finally got cleaned, began to go back to church and now I am married to Vinnie and we have a beautiful baby girl, Eliana Grace. I am amazed at the faithfulness and mercy of God. Years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis and was told by the doctor I would never have children. I received prayer for God's healing of my body while at New Hope For Women. Obviously God had the final say and Eliana is proof of God's power over sin and sickness.
Nicole Dorrell
In and out of RCF until Jesus became real. I am clean, attending Strayer University majoring in Business Administration and working at RED ROBIN. I finally have my own apartment and opened a bank account. I owe it all to Jesus.
In and out of RCF until Jesus became real. I am clean, attending Strayer University majoring in Business Administration and working at RED ROBIN. I finally have my own apartment and opened a bank account. I owe it all to Jesus.
Dawn
This young lady is married and now runs her own business. She is a powerhouse in the Lord and knows the Word of God with a gift of teaching! Praising God for the women that the Lord lifts out of the ashes of life and restores them fully.
G. Simmons
G. Simmons went on to college and now has a good job doing what she does best, helping others. She has done well for herself and we at NH4W are proud of her accomplishments.
Constance Schleigh Brown
Constance gave her life to the Lord and spent the past several years after leaving RCF bringing women in addiction into her Recovery Home, Sisterhood where she shared her faith and trust in the Lord and gave them a second chance at being clean. Constance went home to be with Jesus this spring, 2011 from complications from a liver disease.
Constance gave her life to the Lord and spent the past several years after leaving RCF bringing women in addiction into her Recovery Home, Sisterhood where she shared her faith and trust in the Lord and gave them a second chance at being clean. Constance went home to be with Jesus this spring, 2011 from complications from a liver disease.
