Greetings of Peace,

I have a recovery peer whom I have been working with for about 6 months. With her permission, I’m excited to share some of her story with you.

I met her in a court-mandated treatment program, where she would come and check in with me about her journey.

I learned, after returning home from incarceration, that she had been in a school program for trade union apprenticeships while she lived in a transitional shelter. She finished school, passed her tests, was making an excellent income, and was staying sober. Unfortunately, her relationship became dangerous, and she was forced to choose.

Both her transportation and housing were dependent upon this person, so leaving him to avoid violence meant walking away from her job, which she had trained so hard for.

She chose her LIFE and her SOBRIETY that day. Since then, she has been living in a women’s sober home and working graveyard shift at a fast-food drive-thru. Even though she was making 1/2 of what she made before and working brutal hours, she persevered using her Faith and determination, and completed her treatment program.

A few days ago, thanks to her determination, she found a better-paying day job.

This job is further away from her group home; we are figuring out transportation, and she also needs some safety gear.

We are also including some first steps in this budget toward transportation independence. You will see a line item for a DPS fine and one for a driving school that will provide a vehicle and test. Also, we are raising funds for a bike and helmet to use until she can buy her own vehicle.

We take these next steps and make this financial request after thoughtful consideration and planning. We have spent time in careful reflection, making sure her sobriety is strong and her parole obligations are being fulfilled. She continues to be a guiding light in her group home and shares her Faith and wisdom freely with others. I learn so much from her each time we meet.

Please help me give her a boost! I can update her progress and share receipts with those interested. Please get in touch with me individually for any questions about distribution.

Thank you for your generosity and for considering this cause!

budget:

Steel-toed work sneakers/ safety shoes. Black Friday sale with shipping and tax: $78.19

Transportation: bike and helmet: $300

ATX Driving School and test: $95

DPS fine/fee: $1000