My addiction started in my teens; it quickly went from partying on weekends to using every day. At the beginning of my addiction, I was able to somewhat function. I had a career as a Dental Assistant, a beautiful son and husband. Unfortunately, drugs took that all from me. In 2016 my husband died from an overdose within in months of losing him, I lost my job, a place to live and custody of my son. I quickly found myself homeless on the streets. From 2017-2023 I was living in tents, in and out of shelters, detox and panhandling for money. I had lost all care for myself. The only time I would shower and eat was at Regeneration, during the winter it would be a warm place to sleep. The staff there would show me love and genuine care, something I didn’t know how to show myself. More trauma and grief unfold during these years, and I wanted my life to end. In September 2023, I found myself in the hospital due to drugs but with the help of my mom and regeneration, was in treatment at Teen Challenge by October. It was here that I learned to love myself and see how God was always working in my life. What the staff does at Regeneration is what God calls us to do. Love one another. I’ll be clean for 2 years on September 13th.
I have my son back, my family and even started working at Teen Challenge. When I finally surrender and followed Gods will for me. Life became beautiful, worth living and blessed. From the depths of addiction and unimaginable loss, I’ve emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. My struggle began in my teens, spiraling from weekend partying to daily drug use that eventually cost me my career, my home, my family, and nearly my life. After losing my husband to an overdose in 2016, I found myself homeless and broken, surviving on the streets for years with no sense of self-worth or purpose. Regeneration became a lifeline—a place where I felt seen, cared for, and loved when I couldn’t love myself. In 2023, I ended up in the hospital due to the drugs from there, I entered treatment at Teen Challenge, where I discovered healing, faith, and the strength to rebuild. Today, I’m almost two years clean, reunited with my son and family, and working to help others find the light I once thought was lost. My story is a testament to the power of surrender, grace, and the unwavering love that God calls us to share.
