Dezi’s story - the empowerment
In our last newsletter, we shared the beginnings of Dezi’s story — years marked by trauma, addiction, instability, and moments so dark she wasn’t sure she’d survive.
Today, we want to share what happened next, the part of her story YOU helped make possible.
“When I came out of prison, I didn’t know where I was going to go or what I was going to do,” said Dezi.
Dezi applied to over 30 places for housing and received rejection from them all due to her record. Then she found Grace Place, an organization providing transitional housing for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through our close partnership with Grace Place, Dezi discovered Watermark Community Development Corporation (CDC).
Dezi’s Development with Watermark CDC
When Dezi first walked through the doors of Watermark CDC, she carried a deep longing for change. She didn’t know what to expect. What she found were people building on the new foundation she found at Grace Place - a community who saw her with dignity, one-on-one mentorship, a path toward financial sustainability, and a place where Jesus’ love continued to reshape her perspective on finances and giving.
Through Financial Catalyst, Dezi gained the practical tools she needed to rebuild her life, culminating in her buying a home through her savings and our 2:1 match. This was something she never thought possible.
“At the end of Financial Catalyst, because of what I had saved and what Watermark CDC had matched, I was able to purchase my home. In addiction for so long, I lost everything so many times. I never had a home that I called my own; it was refreshing to know there was a program and people out there who really care.” —Dezi
You didn’t just help Dezi buy a home; you helped her reclaim her identity, her purpose, and her future.
But Dezi’s story doesn’t stop there!
In our next blog, we want to share with you what Dezi has done since graduating from Financial Catalyst and purchasing her home. But first, we wanted you to hear from Dezi herself in her inspiring video. Then, we invite you to partner with us through our end-of-year giving campaign. So please watch and then prayerfully give! Every dollar is so crucial to funding this incredible, life-changing work in our city.