Sherri        

About two weeks into my 9th grade year, they called some of us into the office. They told us we couldn't continue the 9th grade because we didn't pass the 8th. I never told my mom and she didn't find out until the following year. She was angry and disappointed. It was then that I met a friend and she asked me if I got high. I smoked my first joint and my grades started going down hill. I did just enough to get by.

        Somehow I managed to graduate highschool. I enrolled in a 7 month cosmetology program, but spent the better part of that time on the roof of Belk's department store getting high. During that time I was introduced to cocaine.

        I stayed with my friend for the summer of 1983. We drank and did drugs every single day. I got pregnant but did not know it until my 6th month. My son was born with epilepsy. After the birth I resumed my drinking and drugs. When I was introduced to crack cocaine I went through my savings in about 3 months. When the money ran out I started doing things I never thought I would do. I lost all respect for myself. I stole money from my Mom's purse and she threatened to call the police if I did not go to treatment. I went, but for all the wrong reasons. I left after 7 days and started using drugs the same day I left. I was in treatment three more times before 1999. I stopped smoking crack for several years but continued to binge drink.

        In 2004 I started back on crack. This time I stole from my Mom, my job, and did whatever I could to feed my addiction. It was then that I looked into a mirror and only saw a shadow of myself. I cried out to God to help me or let me die. Four days later I was in the Dove's Nest women's facility of Charlotte Rescue Mission.

        With the help of God and Dove's Nest, I was shown how to live. They taught me to see myself for who I really was. I learned to speak up for myself and not to blindly follow others and allow them to use me as a door mat. Dove's Nest taught me I needed to get a personal relationship with God, and to know and understand him through Jesus Christ.

        Now I never have to walk this path alone. I can always go back to Dove's Nest if I have to. I now have a sponsor and a lot of supporters. I have a job and pay my own bills. God has even given me the strength and courage to go back and continue my education.

        Thank you to everyone at Dove's Nest. You took me in and your support was freely given to me. You molded me into a respectable woman.