Some stories are not just about surviving. They are about what someone chooses to do with the pain they were handed.

In this episode of From Dark To Light, Julie sits down with Kirsten Vanderjagt, who grew up surrounded by homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and constant instability. After attending over a dozen schools and experiencing foster care and profound family loss, Kirsten shares how one advocate changed the trajectory of her life and helped her choose purpose over despair.

This raw and deeply human conversation explores childhood trauma, generational patterns, forgiveness, and why people raised in the same home can end up on very different paths. Kirsten also shares the mission behind Katie's House Foundation and the Shelter Registry, created to bring safety, transparency, and accountability to shelters and recovery housing. A powerful reminder that darkness does not define destiny and that healing can become a force for change.

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00:00 Growing up surrounded by instability
05:10 Childhood homelessness and frequent moves
10:45 Divorce, addiction, and family separation
15:30 Calling Child Protective Services and the aftermath
20:55 Becoming the caretaker too young
26:40 Why siblings from the same home take different paths
32:15 The advocate who changed everything
38:30 Losing her mother and choosing forgiveness
44:10 Why Katie's House Foundation was created
50:20 Building systems that protect lives

💬 Kirsten's story reminds us that where we come from does not determine where we are going. Trauma may shape us, but it does not have to define us. When pain is met with courage, accountability, and compassion, it can become a catalyst for real and lasting change.

#FromDarkToLight #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingJourney #TraumaToPurpose #BreakingGenerationalCycles #AdvocacyAndHope #MentalHealthStories #Resilience #NonprofitLeadership #RealLifeTestimony