Gratitude for her New Life!

Mary was the youngest of ten children – seven girls and three boys – growing up in Ohio.  Today, at 48, she has already lost two brothers, one to addiction.  Mary knows she could have died herself, becoming another loss for her family. 

When Mary was in the sixth grade, a volleyball teammate gave her an upper to try and that started her long path of drugs.  In junior high and high school, she used marijuana and drank.  By the time she was 17, she had two children and had dropped out of school.  Over the years, she did whatever she had to do to support her children, including hustling and selling drugs.  In her 30’s, she started smoking crack, and that is how she finally ended up on the streets, where she spent five years. 

She heard about Off the Streets^SM from other addicts at a food pantry and called one of the facilitators.  She has been sober for four months.  She also reconnected with her family – her own children and her remaining brother and sisters.  One of the most exciting aspects of reconnecting has been getting to know her five-year old grandson. 

On this winter day, Mary sits in her donated winter coat.  She remembers how cold the streets were and she quiets for a moment.  She says, “I am most grateful for this program.  And I am willing to give back what was freely given to me.  This program has saved my life.”  Mary hopes to graduate in the spring.  To that end, she has a job interview lined up, and has been approved for housing.  Long term, she is interested in earning her GED. 

Thank you so much Jun for providing Mary the opportunity to change her life and reconnect with her family!