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A HOME TO BEGIN ... TO GROW ... TO BELIEVE!

Leslie’s Story

 It has happened far too many times in too many places to too many people; a teenager who has been reared in good circumstances is discontent and wants to live life without rules, leaves home to “do what they want.”  The human will can determine to do most anything.  When the human will is self-destructive, someone should lovingly sound the warning cry and offer an alternative; a decent society must do this. 

The West End Community of High Point has come a long way since its days of being absolutely infiltrated with drug dealers, prostitution, and violent crime.  For seven years, the West end Community, led and encouraged by West End Ministries, Inc. and Caring Services, Inc. and its many ministries and services, has arisen to say “no” to a community that is filled with vice and violence.  The City of High Point and the Police Department have, particularly in recent years, addressed very successfully many of the concerns of West End.  We are Grateful. 

Yet, we do have our casualties and we have our heartbreaking stories.  It was in the Spring of 1999 that we noticed another new and young face on the streets of West End.  She was young and appeared very well-kept in appearance.  Yet, that searching and eager longing for independence was glaring from her eyes.  She had left home in her senior year of high school.  She was not satisfied with curfews, rules, and the inquiries of “where are you and who are you with.”  She was “out of place.”  Too well kept and too refined in her ways to be here.  Yet, she had left her mom and stability to come the West End to live with or near her father who has been gone from home for years.  He was an alcoholic who lived in poverty; but, there were no rule. 

Leslie’s story is all too familiar.  She was a stranger, had no friends or contacts.  She even came to church on occasion but shied away from much conversation.  The downward spiral started with her hanging out with the criminal elements of the community.  She was seen late at night with the rough crowd, still so out of place.  The she was drinking and sharing the cheap alcohol of the street scene.  It was not long till there was a noticeable weight loss (crack cocaine).  Then she started talking with and hanging out with the prostitutes.  Then Leslie’s name appeared in the newspaper, listed among the many arrested for prostitution.  Several times, as if seeking refuge, she was found sleeping on the steps of the church buildings, sometimes intoxicated, sometimes just weary and worn.  Then, one of the West End Ministers was called by the Fire Department in the wee hours of July 13, 2001, Leslie was found dead of a drug overdose. 

There were no options or alternatives available for Leslie back then.  The churches of the West End and the community were just waking from our fear-induced slumber and apathy.  Though we tried to talk with her, we had no place for her to go.  There was no place where she could lay her head in safety.  There was no place to take a shower, have clean clothing, or receive a caring encouraging word.  You see, the crack houses and the houses of prostitution have been the only alternative residences for the single women of the streets of this town or Anytown, USA; there, they are welcome to join the others in the downward and hopeless spiral leading to poor existence and death.  Sure, people make their choices, but who will wave the flags of warning and give them a choice in the midst of the results of their bad choices? 

There is now a place for the Leslies of the world.  There is a place for the weary, the worn, the mentally ill, brain exhausted abusers of substances, and the down and out.  West End Ministries and Caring Services refuse to allow these single homeless women to NOT have an alternative when they are ready to consider a change in life’s direction.  To the memory of and in response to the many like her, we introduce you to Leslie’s House, a safe place where a woman can think about a new and positive direction for LIFE.

Give us a call or fax at (336) 884-1039

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