Free at Last! Nathan and Lisa's Story ...
Freedom from Fear
When they came to the Mission last January, Nathan and Lisa Corley were running for their lives. Just days before, Lisa had been attacked and beaten by Nathan’s stepfather, who was a member of a violent white supremacy organization. Lisa escaped, but continued to receive death threats from the man, who had just been released from prison after serving 20 years for rape and murder.
Afraid they would be killed, the Corleys caught a bus to Kansas City to hide.
We had enough money for a hotel room for one night, Lisa says. The next morning, we looked at each other and said, ‘OK, where are we going to go?’
They called the Mission’s Hotline for the Homeless, (816) 474-4599, which helps the homeless find open spots in Kansas City’s shelters. They were thrilled to discover there was room in our Family Shelter.
Both Lisa and Nathan grew up in families mired in alcoholism. To escape their past, the couple spent years traveling aimlessly around the country. At the Mission, they decided to join our New Life Program to help them find purpose and direction in life.
Today, they have a place of their own. Nathan works full time and volunteers at the Family Shelter. Lisa has gone back to college and works at the Mission.
The Mission gave me freedom to be me, to not be scared and looking over my shoulder, Lisa says.
The Mission gave me freedom to break away from my old life, Nathan agrees.
