Hope for women like Cloe.
Cloe came to Fresh Start home following short term substance abuse treatment. Chronic homelessness and substance abuse had been the pattern in her life for many years.
With 3 grown children and serious health issues Cloe had decided it was time to do things differently. While a resident of Fresh Start Home Cloe was able to continue to address her substance abuse by attending meetings and building a strong support system in the community. She took the steps necessary to apply for aid to address her health issues. Following a brief stay in the hospital Cloe returned to Fresh Start Home.
Having returned to work she saved enough money to purchase a car. This allows her to work more hours and attend 12 step support groups more often. Cloe will be leaving Fresh Start soon and moving into her own apartment. This will be the first time in a number of years Cloe has been able to support herself, allowing her a home in which to have her children visit her.
Hope for women like Val.
Val is one example that being an intelligent and articulate person doesn’t excuse one from the clutches of addiction. She should know. Val came to the program in March, 2008 as the 1002nd woman to reside at Fresh Start. By the time you read this, she’ll be living independently again.
Val is an accomplished musician and comes from an intelligent family who also struggles with addiction. At the age of 50, she found herself without a job and evicted for the first time – even though she’s struggled with alcoholism the majority of her life.
After 63 days of treatment for her alcoholism at TouchStone, Val anxiously hoped that she wouldn’t have to move to a women’s home in Norfolk or Hastings, away from her support system. “I came and talked to Meg,” Val said, referring to her case manager at Fresh Start. “She is an incredibly special person.”
The stars aligned for Val and a bed opened up for her at Fresh Start just as she finished her treatment. Since moving in, she’s gone from having no job to having two part time jobs. “I wouldn’t have had that without Fresh Start,” she said. The women residents are required to volunteer so Val started at a local library. Soon after, they hired her. “I can’t wait to go to work!” she said.
Through her year-long experience at Fresh Start, Val has learned the value of the home beyond its food and shelter. “I’ve learned what it means to have boundaries,” she said. “I don’t need to be close to everyone.” Living with 23 other women has also taught her more about herself. “I’ve learned to be more tolerant of others and to have compassion.”
Val has an appreciation for Fresh Start and everything it has given her. She’ll continue to be supported as she takes the next step on her path back to a home of her own.