By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

MONTEVALLO – My Sister’s Place in Montevallo celebrated its anniversary at New Everdale Missionary Baptist Church Oct. 14. The program portrayed a first year of progress and success.

“MSP is a non-profit, Christian transitional living and treatment assistance home for women who are hurting, lost and in need. Providing so much more than just shelter, our goal is to come along side these women and help them to live again,” said co-founder Cynthia Hildebrand.

Hildebrand explained that by offering love, support and guidance, the women can leave MSP whole, secure and confident in living a life free of hurts, habits, hang-ups and abuse.

At MSP the women make a 90-day minimum commitment to follow a structured life with basic living guidelines, attend church and support group meetings and to follow the house rules. They have a support group to aid them in developing a new and healthy lifestyle.

During the past year, MSP added a second three-bedroom/two-bath unit and became the proud owners of both units. They also obtained the full status of 501c3 from the Internal Revenue Service, making them a full-fledged non-profit organization.

At the Sunday afternoon celebration, there were several stories of lives that have been turned around: One woman who had lost custody of her two boys is now active in their lives again. Another is sober and spending time with her children after many years of dealing with the consequences of years of bad decisions.

Two of the ladies have found the courage to walk away from abusive husbands, and several have moved on to live lives successfully on their own.

“This has been a great year for MSP,” Hildebrand said. “It is amazing how God is guiding us through this, and the healing and restoration that is occurring. This is God’s ministry; I am just blessed to be a part of what He is doing here.”

MSP is supported by contributions from individuals and businesses, as well as by the residents themselves. MSP is mentored by Christian Life Fellowship Church in Calera and New Everdale Missionary Baptist Church of Montevallo.

For additional information about My Sister’s Place, call 434-0701.