My name is Michell LaBrecque. I was released on parole in 2005. I had no one to turn to or no place to go. I could not return to my family because they were still using drugs. So there was no place for me that would be safe and give me a chance to change. It was only by the Grace of God that I found Soteria and that Pastor Jerry Blassingame agreed to an immediate interview. The only thing I had with me was the paperwork I was released with and Jesus.

Soteria gave me a chance and within one week I had a job, a closet full of clothes, food and more resources than I had ever known to exist. I had been given a fresh start, a new family and a home. The people I met at Soteria were amazing and accepted me just the way that I was. They loved me and believed in me from the beginning. I was encouraged to believe in myself and the God in me.

I stayed in Soteria House for a little over a year and became a leader. Soteria provided stability, accountability and helped me to heal and break the strongholds that were on me and my family. Soteria was very structured and there were classes that dealt with all the areas in my life.
I am now married to a great man of God and have a wonderful relationship with my family. I have a beautiful daughter and our relationship has been restored after four years of not seeing one another. We now visit every week. My two sons were adopted out to a good family while I was incarcerated. I feel soon they will also be apart of my life. I have been able to help my Mom and my brother get into rehab. Now they both are free from drugs and crime. They both work in management and my brother is in culinary school.

I could have not have made it had Soteria Ministries not been there for me. They saved me from recidivism and returning to my old ways. I want to thank Pastor Jerry and Pastor Stephanie and all others involved in Soteria for believing in me. It is because of you that my family’s lives and my life have been restored. After almost three years I am no longer on parole, and I have a great life. It is an honor to serve in this ministry and give back what was given to me.