Leah Saweikis counts her blessings every day.

As a recovering alcoholic and addict Saweikis expressed appreciation for the staff at the Rochelle Rescue Mission as well as many in the community who welcomed her and her husband, Sean, with open arms.

“That place is such a blessing,” Saweikis said of the Rochelle Rescue Mission. “Just to be brought into a place and just loved and respected…respect is a big thing for me. I’ve never had so many people in one place speak so much life into me without even knowing me…they didn’t know me and Sean.”

Just a few short months ago Saweikis and her husband, Sean, left their home in Rockford and arrived at the mission in Rochelle. Without a home, transportation or jobs the pair entered the shelter and immediately began their personal recovery plan. They ended up staying at the shelter six weeks.

“Now that we are here — I’m sitting in my living room now, got a house, a car…and I’m making meatloaf for dinner,” Saweikis said proudly. “Sean has a great job, I’m working and in college. We have money in savings — who knew we could save money? It’s amazing. We all make mistakes…some look different than others. I know so many people in Rockford and the things I’ve done there, it defines me. That’s how they are always going to see me. But that’s not who I am and not who I want to be. I just want to be a good wife and a good momma.”

Helping hand

Autumn True, executive director at the Rochelle Rescue Mission, said she and staff have helped three families find homes since the shelter opened this summer. The shelter can house up to 20 guests at one time and contains two family rooms along with a separate room for men and women. 

“We try to provide temporary housing, spiritually and physically for people in Rochelle and the surrounding community. We are a temporary shelter and work closely with the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, Tri-County [Opportunities Council] and the Rochelle Police Department,” True said. 

“We really just want to work together as a community and as a whole for those who have unfortunate circumstances. It’s nice to see the community come together when those need the help.”

True said the shelter helps people find employment and also has bikes available to use, which were donated by the police department. She also credits area church members who have provided assistance to those in need.

“The community and the churches…we wouldn’t be open without the churches,” True said. “We encourage people who have stayed with us to call and keep in touch. Once they get out on their own, if they want to communicate we would like to hear how they are doing. That’s what we are about, we want to help.”

Reflecting on that day they arrived in Rochelle, she admits there were many challenges but the welcoming environment of the community and complete strangers has made a difference in their lives.

“I’ve never seen myself anywhere outside of my addiction. Even though I’ve been sober many times. When I got here, I was scared…scared to start over and look at myself,” she said. “I was at the bottom of my rope. There are still good people out there that want to see…they don’t even have to know you…they just want what’s best for you. They see something in you that you don’t see yourself and that’s very humbling.”

For Saweikis the help came when it was needed most. 

“Good people are hard to come by. That’s what I got at the mission. So many people, it’s just a small knit community and everybody looks out for everybody and that’s what I love about this place. We are not leaving. It all started at the mission,” she added.