By Kathy Medved
March, 2009
“When I decided to free myself from a drug-filled world, I knew I would need some help. Being a single mom with four children, it was hard to seek help because I didn’t want to be judged or lose my self-respect.
"I heard about Martha’s Village and their compassion for families in trouble. As frightened as I was, I was able to pack up my children and, with an open mind and heart, decided to travel to Martha’s Village and learn what I had to do to make things right. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy road to follow, but the kids stuck by me through all the classes, all the chores and all the changes we had to make.
The people at Martha’s Village helped me to see my potential and I was able to graduate from the Regional Occupational Program Office Technologies course as well as the program at Martha’s Village. Before I found work, my aunt was kind enough to let all of us live with her.
"I am now working full-time at Martha's Village & Kitchen in the Emergency Shelter.
"I have learned the importance of goal setting and writing them down. I have also learned that I can solve my problems without trying to escape them with drugs. Before I came to Martha's Village & Kitchen, I just existed. Now I have learned to live.”
June, 2010
We have been following Jackie’s progress since spring 2008, just before she graduated from Martha’s Village and was featured on the cover of the VILLAGE NEWS.
“They [clients] come in broken. But, little by little, with lots of encouragement, they start to change,” she says. “After 60 days I see a big difference.”
A short time ago, she met Rick at a church service and, after a brief engagement, they were married. Like her, he has recovered from an addiction, has a good full-time job, volunteers at their church and shares her same values. They have moved into a two-story house with room for everyone to be together. Even though with money comes more responsibilities, more work and not much time or money left for recreation, Jackie now feels productive and happy.
Jackie says “I finally feel free,” and has no desire for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or swearing! The void she felt when she gave up all these habits has been filled with a new love for God and she attends church twice a week.
Jackie has a new goal when her children have grown: to attend college to become a case manager.
Her advice to new residents who say that things are moving too slowly and that they are worse off now than they were? “Don’t give up. Just stick with it. There is value in every little thing you do. If I can do it, so can you.”
Kathy Medved is on the Charitable Giving Team at Martha's Village & Kitchen
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