“I was dating a man that I started using crack with. I got fired from my job for stealing money to keep us in crack. I got another job at a gas station and he and I planned a robbery while I was working. I was arrested a week later with disorderly conduct and theft charges. I got overwhelmed trying to take care of everything and everyone but me. My self esteem was nothing and I felt worthless.

When I entered drug court, all I heard was do what they say and it would erase my charges. I knew I could comply. It turned out to be more difficult than that. It was a lot of working on myself, which I was not used to. The only fear I had was for the first six months. I was afraid of going to jail for a sanction.

The program helped me to get rid the shame, guilt, and pain I had carried all my life. The staff showed me I was not the only one to go through the situations I had. I didn’t have to be alone. They gave me the guidance I needed. They helped me work through my issues and were always there for me. 

My life after graduation continues to get better. I can now set boundaries with people in my life. I can recognize my feelings and do something to change them. I am a good, reliable worker. I now work for Fayette Companies as an outreach worker for IOP. I am trusted with a company van. Most important, I have an awesome recovery support network.

In my life now as an outreach worker, I get to work with women coming into and going through treatment. I can share what I did, my issues and how I worked and am still working through them. I can balance life with grand children, work, meetings, and a new relationship.