It was like something had a hold of her, because Gina couldn’t stop the words coming out of her mouth if she tried.
But after the second and third time she had snapped at her children, and after seeing their crushed faces again and again, day after day, she knew she had to get help.
The drugs had taken control of her life, but Gina was deep in her grief over her husband’s death. She was trying to construct a life for herself and her two kids, moving around to different motels with the help of her family, and making do with microwave meals.
Her kids helped her see beyond herself
Gina shares, “Seeing my kids brokenhearted, and having no answers to their questions really hit hard. I couldn’t speak to them without sobbing or I would just shut them up. I realized my children needed me and I had to do something. I had to be the parent they deserved.”
Their lowest point came when Gina and her kids ended up renting a room that was roach- and rat-infested. Soon after, Gina walked into the Mission and was in the program within a week.
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At the Mission, Gina says, “I love how I have someone to truthfully talk to me. My case manager is really real with me. Nobody likes to hear the truth. But the truth is good.”
Gina has come a long way in just a few months. She reached her goal of passing her GED, and she looks forward to renewing her relationship with her three kids and enjoying life clean and sober.
“My kids always made the best of things. They had to. They had no choice,” Gina shares. “This year will be better. I will be with them. I will truly be there.”