My name is Magan Messana and this is my story...
I didn’t realize how much I needed Ripple of One until I became a participant of the program in August 2015. While pregnant with my second child, I was introduced to this amazing program through Delaine Rogers at Foothills Care Center after completing a few integral Bible studies. I had been sober for about one year at that point, and I felt ready in my journey to take on this next challenge. I was genuinely excited for the opportunity!
My Ripple Team soon became like family to me. My financial coach, Julia Schaefer, was a sounding board for so many things in my life. Julia not only taught me how to budget, she really modeled reflective listening and became my second mentor and mom. Megan Sanders, my mentor, became my advocate, another spiritual advisor, and the older sister I never had. Donna Wexler, my health coach, taught me how to view food and my body in a completely different way – being mindful and appreciative as opposed to demeaning and insecure. My Care Manager, Dreama Clay, became my pastor as she consistently edified and encouraged me. Stephanie Enders, the Founder and Executive Director of Ripple of One, forged the way that I followed into my now career path. She believed in me more than I believed in myself. This group of women alongside my incredible mom, Kim Luzzi, (who interceded for me from day one) helped mold me into who I am today and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. Through the Ripple program and my Ripple team, the Lord truly gave me a new level of confidence and boldness. Today, I love myself with a fierceness that I didn’t before Ripple of One.
I believe my proudest accomplishment to date is believing the Lord’s promises for my life, and seeing them come to fruition. I’ve been blessed with beautiful kids, an absolutely amazing husband, and a home that we have built from faith-filled prayers. Being a homeowner, plus being a graduate and now employee of Ripple of One are a few other proud accomplishments of mine! As the Outreach Manager of Ripple of One, when I speak to groups, I tell them that in May 2014 (one year before starting this program) I was living in my vehicle. By May 2019, I purchased my first home!! That would never have been a reality without the Ripple Program.
I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant with mine and my husband’s fourth child, we’re both working for nonprofits that are changing our communities at large: Ripple of One and Christ Central Ministries Oconee, and I’m finishing my degree in social work. I hope to one day have a nonprofit ministry that partners with Ripple of One to help those with childhood trauma discover what it's like being emotionally regulated and flourishing in all areas! For anyone who reads my story and feels led to apply to the Ripple of One program I say: please don’t hesitate! Know that change is difficult, (and so triggering) but you and your family are worth it. Give yourself the space and grace to receive from and partner with your Ripple Team. For those who support Ripple of One – you have no idea the impact you’ve made on a generational scale. This program is the epitome of the Ripple Effect. God bless you and thank you for the change you’re making for generations to come!