In Her Words: Sandra Shares Her Recovery Journey
“When I arrived at Epiphany, I was pregnant and homeless. I had been living in tents under the freeway.
Someone told me to call Epiphany Center but I was really scared. Even pregnancy did not stop me from staying on the streets. After I had my baby, I was mandated to get into a program or risk losing my newborn. I called Epiphany. I was expecting only shelter. I never imagined an opportunity to find myself through their programs. The real me. I wasn’t always homeless and unemployed. I had hopes; Epiphany helped me to find my way back to them.
I am so comfortable at Epiphany. There is no judgment, only compassion. The recovery staff is amazing and they support us with such knowledge and care. They opened my eyes to better ways to parent my baby, Leo, and helped me feel proud. Every day I feel a little braver to go out on my own. The parenting counselors have taught me how to really be there for Leo. I feel such a strong bond with him. He’s such a happy baby because we are here.
Recently, I received housing but decided to stay in Epiphany's transitional program longer to strengthen the skills I have learned. I have more work to do, and I know that after moving into independent housing, the real work starts. I recently spent my first weekend away from Epiphany. When I returned, some women asked, “How did you feel? Were you tempted to use?” I said “no” because I have so much going for me now. When I do move into my own place and no one from Epiphany is around to hold my hand, I know I will be ready. Epiphany has equipped me with all the tools I need. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
-Sandra
Epiphany Center Client
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