When Marta Nagel looks across her caseworker's desk at The Salvation Army, she understands what her clients are going through — because she's been there herself.

At 24, Marta met her first husband, and the couple welcomed two children shortly afterward. But what began as a seemingly happy life together soon became a living hell for Marta. "He was a severe alcoholic," Marta says. "When you're called every foul, vulgar name there is … when you're physically and mentally abused … it starts to take a toll on you," Marta continues. "He decided that he'd sooner drink than have a family. So, I lost our home — I lost everything."

Suddenly homeless and without a job, Marta was forced to go on welfare and move with her children into public housing.

Marta knew that, if she was going to make a real change for the better, her heart had to change first."I remember falling on my knees and asking Christ into my heart," Marta says.

Soon afterward, Marta was invited by a neighbor to volunteer at The Salvation Army. Marta's enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to helping the needy eventually opened the door for her to become a full-time case manager. Now 23 years later, Marta is grateful for the chance to help people as lost as she was. "At one time, I sat on that side of the desk," Marta says, "and my goal is to move as many people as possible onto this side." Friends like you allow The Salvation Army to help our lost neighbors discover new beginnings and second chances. God bless you for your ongoing support.

"You have no idea what kind of a changed life you can see," Marta encourages. "It doesn't take a lot."