Angela grew up in a small town in southern North Carolina, not realizing her childhood was far from typical. It wasn’t until she joined the Dove’s Nest program that she understood the truth—her parents were alcoholics, and their struggles led to domestic violence and addiction. At 15, Angela met a man who introduced her to a life of drugs and abuse. She had a child with him but lost custody due to her destructive choices. This cycle of hardship continued for 20 years until she finally found the strength to leave him. Unfortunately, her newfound independence was short-lived, as she soon entered another toxic relationship that deepened her addiction and exposed her to more violence.
Angela witnessed death and endured unimaginable pain on the streets. The only positive thing about that time was her young daughter, now four years old. Though they aren’t in contact, Angela writes heartfelt letters to her daughter, hoping one day she’ll read them.
It wasn’t until Angela lost everything that she realized she had reached her breaking point. Feeling defeated and out of control, she prayed for guidance and strength to change. In January 2024, she entered Dove’s Nest, and it was the best decision she could have made. From the moment she arrived, she was greeted by name, making her feel seen and valued. Though she was initially overwhelmed with fear and shame, Angela soon discovered that Dove’s Nest was a safe, judgment-free space where she wasn’t defined by her past struggles. The loving and supportive environment helped her begin the healing process.
Because of hard work and determination, Angela recently celebrated one year of sobriety. It wasn’t an easy journey, but through prayer, commitment, and support, she achieved this milestone. In the fall of 2024, Angela experienced the painful loss of her brother, who, like her, had battled addiction. Though she wasn’t ready to bring him back into her life, she reflected, “I wish he had known about Charlotte Rescue Mission. It could have saved him.” Despite her grief, Angela has learned to cope by embracing her emotions and finding strength through faith.
Today, Angela works at a homeless shelter, where she strives to make a difference with a positive attitude and an uplifting spirit. The work keeps her humble and grateful for the new life she’s building. She often reflects on the lessons learned at Dove’s Nest, especially the trauma classes that helped her reconcile with her mom, whom she once believed didn’t love her. She is also rebuilding a beautiful relationship with her son.
Angela hopes to one day share her story with teenage girls, believing that her journey can inspire and transform lives. She knows that her transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which provided her with the tools and resources she needed to rebuild her life.
