When I was 14 years old my family moved from Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey. It seems like I was practically raising myself back then. I moved from one relative's house to another, staying in their basements. When I was 16 years old, I was expecting my first child – actually, children. I was pregnant with twins.

At first I thought it was the best thing in my life. I would be able to collect assistance and receive food stamps. Back then I went days without eating. Sometimes I survived only on "oodles of noodles," so getting food stamps meant that I would be able to eat. But after my twins were born, my life became a constant struggle.

Then I met this man who seemed to want to help me and my boys. Instead he began to abuse me. I stayed in this abusive relationship and gave birth to two more boys. Finally I couldn't take it any more, and I reached out for help. My sister helped my family to get to Pittsburgh. She heard of Sisters Place and made the first contact for me.

Sisters Place offered me and my children a place we could finally call home. For the first time we felt safe – no more living out of someone's crowded, wet, and musty basement and trying our hardest to be quiet so they wouldn't get sick of us and tell me that we had to go. No more sitting in fear about when I would get beaten again by my abusive boyfriend. No more worrying if I would be able to feed my kids. With the help of Sisters Place I was able to smile and not live in a constant state of depression. My kids did not have to be so worried about their mother. They were able to get involved in many different activities, including going camping for the first time.

Sisters Place is my safe haven, but they are also helping me to become a strong independent woman. My case manager is very supportive, helping me with budgeting issues and goal setting. I am so thankful for all that Sisters Place has done for me and the opportunities that they have provided for me and my sons. This month after years of working toward my GED, I successfully finished my classes to become a certified nursing assistant. I love my work in the nursing home and my patients love me! I will continue to take it one day at a time. With Sisters Place and the Lord by my side, I know that I will continue to move forward in life.

Read also the success stories of other Sisters Place Moms:
Story #1
Story #2
Story #3
Story #5

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