When I came to Sister's Place over three years ago I was beaten down and broken, as a person, a mother, and as a productive member of society. I had a new baby girl and a son who had been residing with my mother for about two years because I was unable to get my life in order to be the mother that he needed.

It is a long story how I got to that point in my life. The short version is that although I had every opportunity to do well for myself, I had an obstacle sidetrack me from the path I was on. I was working as a nurse and suffered a pretty serious back injury. The doctor prescribed a strong pain medication, and soon my pain management turned into addiction management. Things went in a negative direction very quickly.

I have been homeless – actually living in abandoned houses, arrested, and had my life threatened at gun point. When all of these things came together I realized that I couldn't cover-up what I was doing to myself. I was unrecognizable even to myself when I looked in the mirror.

Two days before I was to be sentenced to six months in jail for a probation violation, I found out that I was pregnant with my second child. I had no idea what I was going to do when I could barely take care of myself. My three-year-old son was already living with my mother because I could not care for him.

I made a decision to re-evaluate my life, my decision-making, and my ability to be a good mother. After serving my jail sentence and completing a six-month program in Uniontown, I arrived at Sisters Place. The apartment was very nice and fully furnished. There were even new outfits for my three-month-old daughter hanging in her closet. I felt blessed as soon as I arrived. Little did I know that I was about to change my life around completely.

Through this wonderful program, I have been able to set many goals and reach them in a timely manner. I have been able to get my criminal things in order, get my drivers license back, obtain a car, go back to school, finish my third associates degree, and obtain full-time employment. I no longer get cash assistance from welfare. I finalized my divorce from my son's father, and, most importantly, I regained physical custody of my son. I am especially glad that I have rebuilt my relationship with my family.

My family has suffered some great losses recently. My 11-year-old niece died fairly suddenly this past April, and my aunt and Godmother lost a battle with cancer the previous April. Most recently, on September 13 of this year, I lost my ex-husband, the father of my now eight-year-old son. Through it all I have managed to stay on track in my life and with my recovery,and to be there for my son who needs me now more that ever.

I have come to realize that with every ending, no matter how tragic or sudden, there is a new beginning, and I am still making my new beginnings happen. I truly owe it to Sisters Place for helping me to see the potential in myself and for providing me with the extra support I needed to reach my goals, to make things happen in my own life.

Today when I look at myself I am proud of the person looking back at me. It has been a long, hard road being a single mother, working, and being a full-time student, but I did it. Coming to Sisters Place is the best decision I have ever made for me and my two children.

A happy footnote to the story some 5 months later: This mother purchased a home in March 2009. Moving day for her and her children was on her 31st birthday!

Read also the success stories of other Sisters Place Moms:
Story #1
Story #2
Story #4
Story #5

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