Kathleen

Kathleen spent most of her adulthood consumed by drugs, while drifting in-and-out of treatment centers, destroying relationships and gradually losing all her material possessions. On the verge of losing her children as well as her own life, Kathleen recognized her life was out of control.

Now, after two years spent at The Salvation Army’s Renewal Place Program, a two-year program for homeless and drug-addicted women and their children, Kathleen has emerged from the program a sober, stronger and more spiritual individual.

Kathleen, 47, entered Renewal Place in January of 2008 after experiencing a life-changing moment of clarity. “It was December 31, 2007, and I told my daughters we were going to church for the New Year’s Eve service and to pray for me to be a better person,” Kathleen said. “My daughters and I prayed for me to have the strength to provide us a better life, and I entered Renewal Place a week later.”

The program has helped Kathleen understand the importance of responsibility, self-discipline and self-control by providing parenting classes, drug and alcohol programs and one-on-one counseling, while incorporating a spiritual focus into the program.

“I have attended financial and literacy programs and AA meetings in addition to my therapy,” Kathleen added. “Through the skills the program has taught me, I’ve learned how to become a better parent, how to make amends with my mother and sister and most importantly, how to love myself again.”

During the final phase of her program, Kathleen has worked as a volunteer at Memphis Botanic Garden in the children’s arts and crafts department. After graduation, Kathleen aspires to return to school. She hopes to one day complete a degree in nursing.

Kathleen is grateful for the presence of God in her recovery and credits the program for saving her life. She believes the program’s spiritual focus to be the main factor that separates this program from the others she attended.

Kathleen also gives thanks to her peers and case managers within Renewal Place for setting examples of how to recover and providing her with endless support. “I didn’t know how to live anymore until I came here,” Kathleen explained. “I know now that the issue was me, but I have learned self-control and I am spiritually grounded.”

After Renewal Place, Kathleen is prepared to handle any future hardships she may encounter. “The Salvation Army has given me the tools I need and coping skills I need to maintain sobriety.”