I started using drugs when I was in high school, mainly to numb the pains of my life. After that, my life just spiraled out of control. I lost myself, my kids, my family, and my friends. My relationship with God was on the path of being non-existent. I remember being so angry with Him and my situation.
I will never forget the defining moment that brought me back to God. I was at my wit's end with my life, and I decided it was going to change one way or another.
I was ready to die. I went down on my knees and cried out to God and asked if He was there. Otherwise, I was ready to end it all. I wrote letters to the 3 little ones that meant the most to me and was ready to go.
The next day I received a phone call from my dad that changed my path in life for the better. I was accepted into the Merced Rescue Mission’s Life Transformation Program on June 8th, 2015, at 8:00 in the morning. I graduated from the program one year later and got back everything that was stolen from me and way more. The strong bonds with my daughters have been restored and made even stronger. I have new relationships with family and friends. I remarried and have been blessed with 2 grandbabies.
Since 2017 I have been blessed to be employed by the Merced Rescue Mission doing what I love. I have been working with the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, coming alongside women and helping them achieve their new paths with God. I have completed the CCAPP * training program, and I am now waiting for the test. Once that test is taken, I will be a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
My passion for my future is to become certified in Anger Management and Domestic Violence. A verse that I have written on my heart that I use every day is Phil. 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” This reminds me every day that no matter what storm I am going through or what passions or ambitions I have, I can accomplish them when God is my foundation and the leader of my path.
* CCAPP (California Consortium of Programs and Professionals)
The CCAPP program is a 14-month, six-hour-a-week course that includes a variety of classes that train participants in drug and alcohol addiction counseling. Following the successful completion of this program participants must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work before receiving their accreditation.
