Yusmari grew up in Miami, Florida, where life was anything but easy. Raised by her mother, who struggled with alcoholism, Yusmari’s childhood was marked by instability and pain. At a young age, she faced unimaginable trauma, becoming a victim of abuse. The emotional scars ran deep, and as a result, she struggled with her self-esteem. Growing up overweight, she became the target of bullying, which only deepened her battle with self-worth.

Feeling abandoned by those who should have protected her, Yusmari turned to drugs as a way to numb her pain. The escape that substances offered quickly spiraled into a full-blown addiction. For twenty-eight long years, she cycled in and out of jail, her life a blur of poor decisions, missed opportunities, and heartache. The cost was steep: she lost custody of her three children, and her relationships with them grew more distant with each passing year.

But in the darkest moments, there was a glimmer of hope. Yusmari was introduced to Dove’s Nest, a place that would change her life. It was there, for the first time, that she found the support, structure, and encouragement she needed to get sober. She completed her first stint at Dove’s Nest, feeling a sense of achievement, but life’s challenges were far from over.

Unfortunately, when Yusmari left Dove’s Nest, the pull of addiction was stronger than her resolve. She relapsed and found herself back in the same destructive cycle. But fate had a different plan. She re-entered Dove’s Nest, determined to complete the program once and for all. This time, Yusmari’s commitment was unwavering, and she successfully completed the program for the second time.

Today, Yusmari is proud to say she has been clean for two years. Her life has turned a corner, and she is now working as a technician in a facility that supports others battling addiction. She hopes to one day become a counselor herself, giving back to others in the same way she was helped at Dove’s Nest.

Most importantly, Yusmari is rebuilding her relationship with her three children. She can see her youngest every week, a small but powerful reminder of the healing that is taking place in her life. Yusmari’s life has taught her that sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, but you never lose.

Yusmari’s story is one of redemption, hope, and transformation. Yusmari credits her recovery to the grace of God and the unwavering support of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which has walked with her every step of the way. She is living proof that anyone can overcome their past and build a brighter future with the right support.