A couple years before the Covid pandemic, Debra was living in St. Petersburg, Florida where she owned her own cleaning business.  Life was stable, work was good.  As Covid began spreading and lock downs began to be enforced, her cleaning business started losing clients.  Shortly after, things started to spiral, Deborah eventually lost her home and found herself at a crossroad and relapsed after a 7-year sobriety.  She left St. Petersburg on August 12, 2020 and ended up stranded in the one place she didn’t want to return, Ocala.  Soon after, she lost her driving privileges due to none payment of insurance, lost her car and had to give away her emotional support animal.  In 2021, she found herself in the hospital, where she spent a month and half.  She was in the hospital fighting for her health, heavily medicated and though medically prescribed unable to get clean.  Just after her release, Deb began another sobriety journey; which this time only lasted a few months.  It wasn’t until sometime later, waking up with a wet blanket near the Interfaith building Deb was done.  “With balled fist, I hit the concrete and declared, ‘No more, God, no more!'”, Deb recalled. She remembers finally looking up to a Father she knew had been with her and being ready.  Ready to do whatever she needed to do and follow the steps to regain her life.  

Through all of Deb’s battles, with substances, with Covid, with loss, fighting for her life; she knew the staying power of her Creator.  She also knew the destructive power of free will.  For many years of her life and throughout her battle to sobriety, she knew the Lord.  Even when she was making decisions without Him, she recalls knowing He never left her.   He was steadfast even when she was running in the opposite direction.  When speaking about how she landed here in Ocala and at Wear Gloves, she credits it to God. 

Deb recalled her interview here at Wear Gloves, “During my interview with the lady here, we spoke about the Lord.”  Deb expressed her gratitude for Wear Gloves, “they gave me the opportunity to be who I am.”, she said.  Wear Gloves has given Deb the opportunity to work, pay her rent, replace her dentures and get her Driver’s License reinstated. Stability is the key to most every sobriety story and Deb has found that here. “Without Wear Gloves, I would not be here.  I love my job.  They gave me a chance.  They gave me self-respect.  They gave me my life back.  And I don’t even think they realize it.”, she said through tears.  “I can use my energy here….and I can enjoy my life now.”, she said confidently.

Deb works on the liter crew cleaning our local parks and she loves every good day, hard day and hot day.  She looks forward to seeing her coworkers and Ken and Wendy.  Deb’s outlook on where she is now is so positive, “Everything in my life right now is a blessing from God.’, she proclaimed through happy tears.  Deb is out there, being productive and doing her best with the tasks she is given.  “I believe God had a plan, even through my self-inflicted troubles.”, she acknowledged. 

Now Deb has a plan of her own.  With God and the stability of her work and family at Wear Gloves, Deb is moving towards her goals, one step at a time.  She has experienced the staying power of the Lord, but also of the people He is using to encourage her, love her and show her grace right here on campus.  Deb’s story has its share of trial and setback, but it’s also been full of redemptive grace and hope for every next step. 

Of all the clients I’ve had the privilege to meet and discuss their story, Jessica was by far the most nervous.  Anxious over what to tell or maybe who would want to listen.  Though I could see her eagerness to share, I felt her reluctance to put words to her journey.  Currently working on the litter crew, Jessica will celebrate 2 years at Wear Gloves in May.  Most importantly, in March she will celebrate 2 years clean.  You see, Jessica came to Wear Gloves for the first time back in 2017 when she relocated from Michigan.  She met Ken and Wendy through her father who leads worship at Church in the Garden.  Jessica for several years and through several rehab facilities battled a heroin addiction.  A battle that ultimately led to losing parental rights of her 2 children.  Although she promised herself at a young age, she would not give into the demons that wreaked havoc on every other member of her family, a simple prescription given as treatment for a medical condition began her unraveling.  Through multiple rehabilitation programs which never quite broke through the dysfunction and miles of heartache, she now finds herself on the survival side of an addiction that could have easily ended her life. 
In 2017, when she found herself here in Florida and around family it seemed things were on a better path.  Shortly after, she found herself in some trouble which landed her in jail and soon entangled yet again with her addiction.
In 2020 after again losing everything she held close, she found herself at the brink and ready for change.  This time though, Jessica would make the choice for herself.  Desperately wanting change and needing help she reached out to her father (a recovering addict himself) with a courageous phone call.  You see, due to Jessica’s habitual tendency to fall back into the chains of her addiction, she had not been in communication with her dad.  However, with one courageous cry for help, her father showed up and drove her to a rehabilitation center.

Jessica’s story from there has been full of redemption and exudes of gratitude.   On March 7th, she will boast of a 2-year sobriety that has added so much fullness to her life.  She recognizes it’s not a journey she’s taken alone, “there is help out there.” she explained, “this place”.  Of course, a choice is necessary, but “There is always someone here for you.”  She beamed with excitement as she spoke about all the good things in her life.  Her promotion to supervisor on the litter crew here at Wear Gloves is one of her biggest accomplishments.  “It’s huge!” she exclaimed several times throughout our meeting.  “Ken and Wendy (Wear Gloves) they kept me on the right path”, she continued, “I’m still processing it all.”  Jessica realizes without second chances, a grace to cover every misstep or back step and support along every forward step, she wouldn’t be where she is today.  Now she’s enjoying a life full of relationship; her mother, father, nieces, other family, and friends at Wear Gloves, continually supporting and caring for her.  She takes any chance she has to lend a listening ear to someone going through a hard time.  The things that meant so much to her, she tries to give back to others. There is no hiding her excitement for her future and how proud she feels with the stage she is on in her journey.  A journey filled with an abundant amount of grace, not just from others, but for herself.  She proves that second chances and even second second chances can be redeemed.  Life may not offer us a brand new start, but we do have a promise that there can be beauty from the ashes of our lives.  As for Jessica, her story has so much left to be told and I anticipate it’ll be beautiful.

“Let me start with the exciting part.”  These were the first words Diana spoke on the day we met when asked about her journey and how it intersected with Wear Gloves.  She was so eager to tell me about how God brought her to the Dignity Center. She radiated with joy when speaking about the family she has found here on campus. Confidently, she gives all glory to God for the freedom and restoration she’s obtained over the past year.

Diana’s story did not begin with freedom though; rather with brokenness and bondage.  The abuse and trauma she experienced at a young age led her to search for ways to forget all she endured. Raised without her parents and in unstable conditions, her path through most of her younger years was not one paved in the confidence and hope that she now lives in every day. For most of her life she used substances to mask the hurt and emptiness she had inside.

Prior to coming to the Dignity Center, 13 months ago, she was in Jacksonville.  Her addiction paired with a sense of isolation had led her to feel hopeless and in her attempt to permanently end the feeling of loss and pain; there is where she ultimately found her new life and redemption.  At her lowest point and feeling completely alone, it was a phone call from an old friend that sparked a glimmer of hope. The phone call led her to Ocala and the Unity house and very shortly after Wear Gloves.

Over the past year, Diana has found that focus and faith are the key to maintaining her hope.  She doesn’t hold on to her past any longer. She has found freedom in her surrender to the path God has set for her. With full confidence and excitement, she said, “The calling is here.” The feeling of finding family was immediate.  “God brought me here.  How do I know? Mrs. Wendy knows sign language.  I am 90% deaf and I have always had a desire to learn sign language and be an interpreter.”  Diana has been hearing impaired since childhood when repetitive ear infections caused damage that could not be reversed. If that alone was not enough to know this is where God wanted her, when asked, “Why do you stay?”, she replied, “Being a part of a family, I’ve never had that before.” She never knew the feeling of belonging. Belonging with others who love and care for you until she walked on campus here.  
She went on to say that she doesn’t believe God gives a gift without a struggle, but He will take your struggle and align it and use it for repurposing and replenishing to fulfill the calling He has for you.

Her life has not been heartbreak free since coming here, losing her brother to his addiction this past October and having other relationships unreconciled.  Diana’s faith in the process and how God is restoring her gives her hope despite the ups or downs life may throw her way. She knows regardless God is there to catch the lows, “He’ll use all things for good and His glory.”
Her most recent highlights include; her fiancé, her involvement in the ministry of Church in the Garden, having 4 wheels to transport her and starting school in January. She’ll be obtaining her official sign language interpreter certification and eventually, she hopes to work at the courthouse interpreting for the hearing impaired.  She has some experience as a special education teacher and wonders if God will align her path back to education.  For now, she is giving thanks back to God for everything he has blessed her with and for sending her here. Reflectively she said, “Mr. Ken and this company giving me hope….”, as she paused you could feel her gratitude. “Now I just try to give back whenever I can”, she stated with a firm belief that when she does that the Lord takes care of the rest.

Though her trauma and pain almost cut her story short, God’s redeeming grace was far from closing the book on what lies ahead for Dianna. The true character of her heart has too much hope and faith to lay idle.  God has big plans and Dianna intends to follow wherever He leads her next.

Florita’s 55th birthday is tomorrow, July 14th. She has just finished up her shift picking up litter with the Wear Gloves crew and she’s about to head home to spend time with her grandkids…which, you figure out is her favorite thing to do within five minutes of meeting her.

Florita started working for Wear Gloves in March of 2020. When the pandemic stopped operations, Wear Gloves continued to help her. “He sent me a couple cards for food and he let me work it off when I came back.”

In the past, Florita has struggled to find steady work because of her background with drugs, which she says was “pretty bad.” Things got worse for Florita when she and her husband split, and he had been the sole provider. The breakup “threw me for a loop.” But then she found Wear Gloves. 

Her daughter worked for Wear Gloves before finding full-time work at a local gas station. Now, Florita is part of the Wear Gloves team. “…As long as you do work and come to work faithfully, you got you a spot. He’s heaven-sent to me” (talking about Ken).

Florita works Monday through Friday and Wear Gloves and having her car is a big part of her independence. Wear Gloves helps pays for her car insurance and gas, and then she has a few dollars left over for food. The day I talked to Florita, she was between places to live and was staying on a friend’s couch, but that didn’t dampen her attitude. She shared: “at least I got a job and I got my car.” 

When asked what she thought about her co-workers on the litter team, she spoke very highly of them. “It’s like family. We help each other. That’s what I think.” When asked how she stays sober, she said: 

“One day at a time. You have Miss Sandy here. If you ever fall short, she’ll pray with you. She’s a strong prayer warrior. Very strong. A lot of the people around here are with AA. I’ll be 55 tomorrow…I done wallowed in dirt long enough. Thank God. It’s a struggle, but when you have your independence, it helps. You ain’t really hurting for nothing. It pays my car insurance. I’m not on the streets, I’m not on drugs. I just eat and go home. And on the weekends, I play with my grandkids! Right now, I’m happy. Without this, I wouldn’t have my independence. That car takes me everywhere I go.”

Even though Florita doesn’t have a lot, she has been inspired by her work at Wear Gloves to give to others. She was the first person to take an Operation Christmas Child Box from the Wear Gloves office to be filled with gifts for a child in need. When asked why, she said: “They done helped me so much. It don’t take much to help a little bit. Some quarters here, some quarters there. Like I got some crayons I put in there so far. I got a little teddy bear that my granddaughter had won. She told me, ‘put it in there.’” So she’s making it a family affair. She shared: “My granddaughters want to help me fill it up. We’re all going to put one thing in a piece. I just thought it was something to give back to.”

What does Florita want others in need to know about Wear Gloves? “I would give it a try…especially if it’s hard and they’re trying to find a job. You don’t have to worry too much about somebody telling you no, as long as you can dial a phone or text a phone and you’re reliable. You gotta be reliable.”

Written by: Lori Cotton

“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion”. – Proverbs 28:1

This is the verse that set Melissa on course to defeating a 15-year battle with addiction.  After years of losing, it was a timely message from her daughter that cleared the fog just long enough for her to realize she had to break the cycle.  This time would be different.  This time “I was doing it for myself”. 

Melissa is one of the team members on liter crew here at Wear Gloves.  Monday through Wednesday, she helps clean up the city parks here in Ocala. On Thursdays, she can also be found picking up a shift in the warehouse working the Closetmaid orders.  As she shared her journey with me and how it led her to the Dignity Center, I couldn’t help but feel the pride of her 6-month sobriety and the gratitude she has for the resources found here.  “They saved my life.  They really did.”, as she continued through teary eyes, “I wish more people knew this was here”.  

Melissa recognized that though she fights her addiction every day, and has a great support system in her family, the structure and support she receives from Wear Gloves is vital for a recovering addict.  “Every addict is just one bad day away from using again”, Melissa said with a sense of realism.

She continued to share, with a humble excitement, all of her successes over the last 6 1/2 months.  She’s been able to get her driver’s license reinstated, begin mending the relationship with her children, see her grandchild and most recently, buy a car.  “They helped me get my life back.  They supported me.  They are helping me maintain what I couldn’t do by myself.”   Melissa openly discussed how her biggest struggle is within herself.  However, she was nothing but optimistic about her future and the new foundation she’s building with the help of her extended family here at Wear Gloves. 

Though we spent the majority of our time reflecting on the highs and lows of the path which led her to the present day, there was an undeniable plea resonating for more people to know about this place.  At one point, we stopped the conversation so I could clarify the “who”.  Who needs to know about this place?  She responded, “people like me”, quickly followed by “anywhere with rehab or places where people are coming out of jail”.  In Melissa’s experience, there aren’t many resources like Wear Gloves out there.  Places that will help NOW.  Places that won’t judge you for your past, but will look you in the eyes and see the you that is here NOW, ready to change, ready to work. 

She told me about the day she came in to fill out her application and the relief there was in not seeing the typical questions about her past.  Meeting with Mrs. Sandy, who does all the intake interviews for the Dignity Center, the dread was lifted when she realized her only requirement was a willingness to work and a goal.  Obviously, the past is still there, but it didn’t disqualify her before she even had an opportunity.  “I was ready, and I needed it, and if more people knew this opportunity was here and that you were able to actually do it without someone handing you cash, that’s what people like me need to know.”  

It is within her to handle the responsibility.  I could tell from our talk she has great strength.  “I have the will to maintain my sobriety, but they are making sure of that by not handing me cash”. She’s confident she’s on her way there, but for now, it’s the support she needs.  

We ended our conversation with all smiles and a walk to see her new car and meet Mrs. Sandy.  Melissa isn’t fleeing any longer. She’s showing up every day.  Working.  Growing.  Getting stronger and becoming bold like a lion.

On the day Gabriel was celebrating 11 months of sobriety, he finished his morning shift on the trash crew and sat for an interview outside the Wear Gloves’ warehouse. Gabriel shared that he’s not originally from Ocala. He came here three years ago to help a friend but ended up getting arrested and is now on probation. He’s living in a local halfway house called Unity Place and has found himself surrounded by a tight-knit community for which he is incredibly grateful. “God has seen fit to open up doors to me that have been a blessing…as well as this place here.” 

Recently, Gabriel had a minor stroke. Because of this, finding work has become difficult. “After this pandemic hit, I thought all doors were shut.  I’m 54 years old and I’m starting to realize I’m not invincible anymore.” Now he works at Wear Gloves to pay his rent at Unity Place. 

On the day we spoke, he had been there a month. About Wear Gloves, he said:  “This place has been a blessing. I can’t say enough about Ken. I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason, and I’m on a path right now that I wouldn’t give up for anything. Not just my sobriety, but it’s just the way life is going for me right now. It’s peaceful. You know, I don’t have no worries. I pay my rent. I pay my phone bill. I have food. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach…I’m happy.”

Gabriel works with the trash crew, a job he enjoys. It allows him to interact with some of the homeless in Ocala. While he has a roof over his head now, Gabriel has been homeless in the past, and he can relate to some of the people he meets on the streets. “I’ve been where I was talked down to or cursed at. I don’t believe anybody, whether they’re homeless or not, should be talked to differently. You know what I mean? We’re all human beings. And whether we’re homeless or we have a million dollars, we should all be treated the same. It doesn’t really matter. And, of course, a lot of people aren’t fortunate. And some of them are maybe happy they way they are.” 

He has encouraged others to make their way to Wear Gloves: “We’ve told plenty of people about Wear Gloves. We have handed out cards. You gotta make that step. You gotta make that decision if you want to change your life. No one can do it for you.” He emphasized that Ken and Wendy hold people accountable: “If he doesn’t see that you’re making an effort, he’s not going to put you on the schedule. You gotta make a commitment for yourself and not anybody else. You gotta want to change at some point in time.”

When asked if working for Wear Gloves is different from a typical job, he replied: “It’s more spiritual. It’s love. These people actually love you, unconditionally. They’re willing to help you. In this day and age, that’s hard to find. I’ve heard a little bit of their story. It’s phenomenal. And then to turn around and give this to people. They’re willing to help people out…the homeless or whoever may need it.” 

When asked about his own plans for the future, Gabriel shared that he dreams about going back to college for counseling or social work. He has a heart to help others, and he seems quite determined to do that in every way he can. He credits the community at Unity Place and working at Wear Gloves for giving him the foundation from which he can not only help himself, but also find a way to help others.

Imagine you are at the end of your rope and barely hanging on. Life has not been fair to you and you’ve lived it whichever way you thought you needed to, to survive. You’ve come to realize that something needs to change, and that something is within you. It’s not a glamorous process. It’s the furthest thing from easy. The harshness of the world continues to expose your every flaw, every weakness, despite your best efforts to recover. You are on display as the lowest of the low, a representation to the world of what not to become – and you have absolutely no control over this. You only have control over your very next move, the next choice you will make for your own wellness, because, without this step, you will never begin to regain the approval of the world. Even still, you may never be able to. The odds are stacked against you, you are completely alone, and even though you want healing, that old life keeps calling you back.

Now imagine, in the midst of your struggle, that another human being takes a moment out of the whiz and whirl of his day to acknowledge your humanity. You tell him your story, your journey from near death to now 2 days sober and still trying. This stranger listens with intent, and even though he doesn’t know you, he says, “I’m proud of you.” While the rest of the world wants nothing to do with you, this one man sees you for who you truly are.

Jonathan Defino, pastor of New Life Fellowship and a board member of Wear Gloves, Inc., is one of those strangers who chose to listen. And this story is a true one, of a man at the end of his rope and of another delivering a message of hope. After an awkward silence, that man responded to Jonathan with tears in his eyes, “It’s been a long time since anyone has said that.” And that is just one of the many reasons Jonathan has stayed involved with the Wear Gloves ministry since inception. Here’s a little more of his story and his answer to #WhyWearGloves…

M: So how did you get hooked up with the Kebrdles and the Wear Gloves, Inc. ministry?

J: I’ve known the Kebrdles for about 15 years. We came to know each other through many years of teaching Sunday School together. I remember Ken and Wendy feeling called by God to be ready to follow Him wherever He wanted them to go, to be mobile; and so they left. Their faith was and still is inspiring to me. When they returned to Ocala, we reconnected and began taking what they learned, over the course of their travels around the U.S., to the streets here. We started meeting up and having coffee with the homeless down at Tuscawilla Park. That’s pretty much how things got started.

M: Can you recall the moment when it “clicked” for you as to why serving through Wear Gloves was important?

J: Absolutely. So, when Ken and Wendy came back to Ocala, they began offering a class called, ‘Dignity Serves’, to churches citywide. I took that class 3 times and on the third go around, it started to sink in. But the pinnacle moment was when I was serving coffee at Tuscawilla and had the opportunity to speak with Daniel. He was 2 days sober and I told him that I was proud of him. His reaction was not what I expected at all and it clicked for me at that moment that this is an unbelievably real human being who doesn’t need my help – he just needs to know that he is loved by God & loved by me. For the most part, people are accepted by God where they are at.

It clicked for me at that moment that this is an unbelievably real human being who doesn’t need my help – he just needs to know that he is loved by God & loved by me.

M: Wow. So, what has life looked like for you since getting involved with Wear Gloves and have gained new perspective on poverty & homelessness?

J: A lot of my story is about giving up my pride and learning what it is to truly help someone else. From when I first began work in ministry to when I was led to become a pastor, each step along the way has been a process of exposing my longing for acceptance and approval, laying that before God, and trusting Him. I’ve watched Ken and Wendy walk in this kind of faith and trust in God, and being a part of their journey has been eye-opening for me.

We all long for people to see us for who we are and to be accepted where we are at. Personally, I’ve been able to see that anytime I’m trying to DO something for someone else, I’m trying to become their god. And when we are constantly trying to “help” others, we may actually just be enabling them to do the very thing they hate about themselves. My friend Daniel didn’t use to live on the streets. He used to get drunk and fall asleep on the street and people just assumed he was homeless and would give him money. Eventually, because of his addictions to drugs and alcohol, he lost his job and became homeless. Because people just gave him money, he never felt a need to do anything different with his life. Giving him money didn’t help him recover from his addictions, didn’t give him any sense of dignity, and didn’t solve the issue of homelessness.

We all long for people to see us for who we are and to be accepted where we are at…when we are constantly trying to “help” others, we may actually just be enabling them to do the very thing they hate about themselves.

M: There is so much insight there and I know you have so much more that you could share with us about your life, experience, and what you’ve learned along the way. With that being said, if someone were to ask you why you serve with Wear Gloves, what would you say?

J: I serve with Wear Gloves because I’m passionate about the Gospel. Knowing God is like meeting the coolest person in the world and wanting to introduce everyone to him. It’s in the dark places, where there is little to no hope, where the light of the Gospel shines the brightest. We want people to know that God loves them. We want people to know that we’re proud of them.

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Do you have a story to share about how Wear Gloves, Inc. has made an impact on your life?

Share your story with us! When you share a photo on Instagram, or make any other post on Facebook, Twitter, etc. about your involvement or the impression this ministry has made on your life and those around you, add the hashtag #WhyWearGloves to your post. It’s just one small way we can connect and share in the joy of serving God together!