misti's Story

My name is Misti, and I was first introduced to Brookside Community Development through our church. My husband and I attended a serve experience, and that’s where we first heard the heart behind Brookside. The stories we heard—the testimonies—were powerful. You could feel something real was happening here. I decided to volunteer on Monday nights with the reentry program. I thought I was coming to give back. What I didn’t expect was how much it would change me.

Brookside comes alongside people in their most broken moments—not from a distance, but right beside them. They meet people where they are. There’s no expectation to have it all together. You don’t have to clean yourself up to belong here.

And that’s what makes it transformative. For me, it’s been a privilege to walk with these women—to encourage them, listen, and be the kind of support I once needed. There are so many women ready for connection, for hope, for someone to remind them they are not alone. Brookside creates that space every week. And it changes lives—both for those being served and those who choose to serve alongside them.

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