Staff Spotlight - Renee

Idaho Women’s Campus Director 

Former program member and graduate, Renee Westberg grew up in a home that appeared stable but lacked emotional connection and healthy examples of love. As a teenager, she struggled with her sense of worth and direction, which later led to unhealthy relationships. Though she was introduced to church and Bible study as a child, faith eventually faded from her life. 

At age 22, Renee married after a short relationship, but the marriage quickly fell apart. When her husband lost his job, she turned to friends and was introduced to methamphetamine, beginning a ten-year struggle with addiction. Later, her relationship with her daughter’s father deepened her involvement with pills and eventually heroin. During that time, she faced homelessness and deep despair, yet always held a desire to be a mother and find stability. 

When her daughter Harlyn was born, Renee tried to stay clean but ended up relapsing. Harlyn went to live with Renee’s parents, who became her strongest support system. After repeated attempts at treatment, Renee faced losing parental rights. The urgency of that moment drove her to surrender and seek lasting change. She entered a year-long faith-based residential recovery program. 

Renee stayed nine months in the program and then transitioned to ABSOLUTE Ministries, where she and her daughter could begin rebuilding their life together. At ABSOLUTE, Renee developed strong accountability, financial responsibility, and a spiritual foundation that continues to guide her. Her parent’s faith has deepened as they’ve witnessed her transformation, and her journey has even inspired her sister-in-law to return to church gatherings. 

On January 16th, 2024, Renee recieved full-time custody of her daughter Harlyn, and uncoincidentally that special date happens to be her birthday. Today, Renee attends Lake City Church in Coeur d’Alene and serves as the Idaho Women’s Campus Director for ABSOLUTE Ministries. She continues to mentor women through the same process that saved her life. Her favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, reminds her to not be afraid and that God’s plans bring hope and a future.