When I was in my addiction, I was no good to anyone. I would drink a lot and use drugs, and I became homeless. One night, when I was off my medication and out of my mind, I was at my parents’ house yelling at my father to let me in so I could get a bag. My dad said that I could not come in, and that he was going to call the cops. I started to yell and tell him off. My parents were scared. Then the cops showed up just in time.

The cops said it was serious and called what I’d said to my dad criminal threats. I was arrested, and the cops read me my Miranda rights and said I was going to jail. I started to cry and felt mad at the same time. I didn't understand that criminal threats were so serious.

I went to jail for 9 months. Some Christian ladies, together with the chaplain, came every Sunday. They asked me if I wanted to go into a program, and I told them that that was not for me. When I went back to court, I was told I would have to go to prison for 3 years. Then I started to think that going into a program didn't sound so bad after all.

I talked to Misty Rose (director of the Hope for Women program) who was one of the ladies that would come to the jail. When she came, she would talk and pray with me. She asked me if I was ready and willing to go into a program now. I said, “Yes, please help me. I am willing to change my ways.” I got out of jail on February 9th and went into the Hope for Women program. I’m trying to the best of my ability to learn more about Jesus and how to live. I’m also staying clean from drugs. As of now, I have been clean one year and one month, and I am happy to stay sober. I became a Resident Assistant in the Hope for Women program house. I’ve been able to see my kids, and I have a relationship with my family. Today I know that God is good.