Story 3
CW's Success StoryMy success story is about a young lady who is currently gainfully employed as a forensic case manager, maintaining honor's average while working on her master's degree; serving as a board member for a well known organization; providing services for the homeless, substance abusers and anyone that she can assist to better their lives. Her name is CW and she has not always been in position to help herself or others.
CW grew up in various home settings. Her parents divorced when she was five years old. For a brief period CW lived with her father and step mother. At age 10 CW's mother remarried and CW moved back with her mother and step father. At age 16, CW began using drugs, alcohol, marijuana and crack cocaine with her friends.
Despite her using habit, CW pressed forward while attending school and to become a nurse. As a result of CW's increasing drug habit, she began to experience the horrors that can accompany abusing drugs. CW's list of problems included surrendering her nursing license, staying in an abusive relationship for two years, becoming homeless, and living in an area where she was too afraid to sleep in the bed in fear that she would get shot. CW also had a son who also slept on the floor always ready to take cover because of constant violence in the community.
CW became tired. Although scared, she began to seek help for her and her son. She was referred to the Lighthouse but did not complete the program the first time around. CW ended up back in her using habits. CW desired to return to school, but after receiving a letter of approval for financial aid she turned down the aid because she recognized that she would spend the money on drugs instead of tuition. CW along with her son reached out to Lighthouse a second time. CW worked hard to maintain her sobriety. She was placed in Lighthouse housing and gained employment. CW again relapsed but immediately reached out for help. CW currently has three years clean time and is doing fine.