Susan McNeil

I am from Johnstown, Pennsylvania and have two sons and four grandchildren.  I attended Greater Johnstown High School where I also experienced problems, which I had no idea how to handle. Drugs were introduced to me as a way to forget these problems. I started with Marijuana, which lead to others, which I took to the extreme trying to get higher. God brought a former drug addict into my life to explain how to accept Jesus as my Savior and free me from drugs. When returning home I got on my knees and prayed, that night God freed me from the drugs and desire to do them also, he showed me how I looked an acted when high by watching my friends.

Years later I was married working at a Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Things went well for several years until my husband at the time thought we should move, at this time he began drinking and having violent behavior. I took my boys and left instead of letting them experience this lifestyle.

I moved back to Johnstown but still had that void in my life since taking my eyes off the Lord. I went through a program called New Choices, which gave me the opportunity to attend Mount Aloyius College. I received an Associate of Science in Criminology in 1997 and Bachelors of Arts in Criminology in 1999.

My work began in a secure facility for juvenile sex offenders. I started as a residential counselor and I worked up to supervisor. This ended due to a car accident, which I now see how God used this to bring me closer to him. I first came to Peniel for the dedication of my youngest granddaughter and have been coming ever since. I knew this was where God wanted me to fill the void of being away from Him for several years. I have been at Peniel for about one and a half years being remolded. I have had the opportunity to be involved in girls club, which has also helped me to become closer to the Lord. I am now grateful to be a member of the Peniel intake department.