I am currently in Stage Two of the Women’s Transitional Housing program. I can hardly begin to explain how much this program has done for me and the extent of my gratitude for the staff and other women here.

I transitioned from the “Six for One” program in Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution to a residential inpatient program through Connections for women. Then I came to Friendship House.

At the beginning of my journey, I was broken, at my rock bottom and hopeless. I am proud to say that today I have almost ten months clean time. I actively participate in the NA and AA programs. I do one-on-one treatment through Connections’ Outpatient substance abuse treatment. I am compliant with all probation requirements, have paid off all fines and fees that I owe to the state. Most important, I am gradually becoming more active as a parent to my two-year old daughter, who is allowed and encouraged to stay with me. Last, but not least, my focus and determination allowed me to accept a position as Assistant General Manager at a restaurant where I have been working on and off for five years.

From planning out my days one week ahead of time, the responsibility of being home for dinner every night in Stage One, to allocating my money by writing out my financial plan, saving money, meeting program requirements and setting short term weekly goals, I am learning a lot. I feel that with hard work and constant determination I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. In a nutshell, I’ve been guided in the right direction to live a more structured, responsible and successful lifestyle which, to me, is key after living a chaotic and unproductive life of drug use and crime for a long
time.

I plan to stick and stay as long as I am allowed. I am so grateful for all the love and support I have been shown and for my daughter being allowed to come here. Coming to this program is one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far in my life.

– Ashley S.