Danesha

Danesha is living proof that with self-determination and the support of others, people have the ability to change their lives for the better. At 21, Danesha was a young mother, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of her children, addicted to cocaine and constantly in-and-out of jail. When she was on the verge of returning to jail and losing her children, an employee of the Department of Children Services offered her a life-changing piece of advice – to consider The Salvation Army.

Danesha learned about The Salvation Army’s Renewal Place Program, a two-year program for homeless and drug-addicted women and their children. She entered Renewal Place in June of 2009 and is now learning how to live a stable, sober life and is creating a solid future for her and her children.

“I didn’t want to lose my kids. I knew that seeking long-term help was the route that I needed, the route that I wanted. I wanted to be a better mother,” Danesha said.

Since entering Renewal Place, she has participated in drug and alcohol programs and has completed parenting classes. She is currently preparing to complete her GED.

Danesha gave birth to twins since being in the program, making her a mother of five. She is very grateful for all the help and support she has received from The Salvation Army staff and her grandparents and feels that without them, she would not have come so far in her recovery process.

“I’m so thankful to have people in my life who never gave up on me,” she said. “I’ll always be grateful that they let me have the opportunity to change, to do what I needed to do and to let me stay with my children while recovering from my addiction.”

Danesha feels she has learned a lot while in the program, and especially values all she has learned about motherhood. She believes the program has allowed her to get in touch herself, which in turn, enables her to be a better person.

Danesha is midway through the program. For the future, her plans are to enroll in school and live independently. Danesha knows that with the combination of her faith in God and her strong will to be a better, sober mother, she will be able to be on her own and have a better life.