TRUE STORY
In last Novermber 2008, sitting in an unheated van, freezing cold day, getting ready for another day in the streets a mother without custody.
We will call her Sara White. After living a lifestyle of cocaine, her daughter was taken from her care. She knew things were bad but did not know how to change it. Nothing seemed like it was going to work out for Sara and so she tried to commit suicide, because she was desperate to be with her daughter.
Sara sat there and freezing in this van, prayed for help or guidance knowing she would need it. As soon as she stepped out of the van, she was arrested. She was in shock. She asked for help, not realizing it would come so fast. Looking back this made her smile.
Sara grew up with an abusive father, had troubles her whole life with relationships and people and knew she needed help. She did not believe anyone wanted to help her. She was given an option to go to jail or rehab.
She went into rehab, but knew that was only short term support and not be lasting support.
Housing was set up for her and she stayed in a place where she could get the help she needed which will not allow you to go out alone for the first sixty days and are restricted. Sara agreed to this set up and appreciated the support since it was very important to her recovery.
This housing is specifically set up to help women through to get off of drug, alcohol, abuse, which start with bad relationships, no hope and poor self image. It gives them a chance to get their lives set up again.
While living on the streets she had a hard time admitting her problems. Then she came to realize that that is the very thing that gave her strength and helped her to see other ways of doing things.
Sara did not have many skills, but wanted to get her independence back. She had other jobs previously but did not know how to write a resume or do an interview.
When she first found this housing, the courts were deciding if her daughter should be adopted out. Nine months later, she has been granted custody.
Sara is so thankful to the support of this housing that gives her a furnished apartment of her own and counseling and phase groups. She also credits her faith in God for providing her with strength and determination to provide a good life for her daughter.
She knows God has helped her along the way and she is very thankful. She believes regardless of a persons background or personal beliefs that it is extremely important to realize that there is hope for the future.
Stopping the addiction was not just a matter of staying clean, it was also a matter of perception. Learning new life skills helped her gain independence and confidence. She got connected with Skill building support and upgraded her Math which she did well on.
Sara now laughs as she speaks and knows that she can now dream and that seeing those dreams has become am empowering experience. "I did this for my daughter and me and I know life is worth the living".
Sara White