Our family moved to Legacy when we were young adults. We experienced a lot of church hurt and enjoyed the fact that we could walk in and out of the church without anyone noticing. However, that's not how God or Legacy works. Within the first few months of attending Legacy, a mission trip to the LA Dream Center was offered. Both Sam and I, Sophia, ended up on the trip and found the most amazing community of people who wanted to serve. The more we desired to serve and get involved, the more our community grew. Little did we know that 12 years later, this same community would encourage and help us open an agency that would further serve Albuquerque.

Both Sam and I worked through grad school while attending and serving at Legacy. God knew that I needed my little sister, Sam, to encourage me to pursue Social Work like her. Eventually, we both worked as therapists at separate places. Life brought us to a point where I wasn't working, and Sam was ready to move on from her place of employment. God was opening doors for Sam, and she was prepared to walk through them. One night, while sitting with our friends, someone mentioned that Sam and I should open our own agency. I laughed and thought I had no desire to do such a thing, but a seed was planted in Sam's heart that night. The more we discussed it, the more it seemed feasible. My husband immediately jumped on board, and we began asking around our community. That seed grew with many people willing to help and mentor us. God continued opening doors; I could write books about the things God has done for this agency, but I'll only mention a few. God brought us a bible-believing mentor who was Sam's new boss and was more than willing to guide us in opening our own agency. God brought us a strong believer and a long-time friend to work with us in creating a case management program. God brought us a Holy Spirit-filled believer to help us navigate working with insurance companies. And the list goes on. God has been so good to us.

On April 22nd, we had our grand opening. It was a day filled with love, gratitude, and excitement. Our community showed up to support and celebrate with us. Anyone who knows me knows I am an emotional crier, and I cried the entire day. It was a tangible display of God's love and care for us.

While we were renovating our office, I came across this verse and wrote it on the foundation of the building and our mission: Jeremiah 29:7 - "And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." We believe that God has given us this agency to make a difference in the City of Albuquerque, to bring hope and healing to the city, and we are ready to continue the mission.

-Sophia J.