Tyesha's New Beginning

Tyesha, a former ACAC Shelter guest, shares her story and tells us about the fresh start she and her daughter received.

What brought you to Allied Churches?

I'm originally from Chicago, but I wanted to raise my daughter in the South. I didn't want to bring her up in the kind of childhood that I had. We moved to Atlanta, and then to Greensboro. I was having a really tough time. I was depressed, I was taking care of my daughter who has autism, and I had to quit school. I'd been working hard on a degree for two years. I couldn't find my place in Greensboro. We moved to the shelter and stayed for just two weeks.

How did Allied Churches help you overcome your housing crisis?

The staff at Allied Churches was really incredible. They are incredible people. The support they gave me in really trying to help me. I was really depressed when I moved there and my case manager (Donna) was awesome. They got me into "rapid rehousing," which was the best thing that could have happened. As long as I was willing to take a step, they would take a step too. Donna helped me get into Eastbrook Apartments.

How are you doing now? What are your plans for the future?

Now that we are here in Burlington, we are never moving again! We really like it here. I'm working with the HOPE Program to get my own house, and I'm in my last year of school for drug and alcohol counseling. My daughter and school take a lot of my time, but I plan on starting my own nonprofit. I want to give people with addiction issues the essentials to get back on their feet. I want to help them apply for jobs and school, and just lay a bridge for them to get back into normal society.

I like to help people. There are sober living facilities here, but not a lot of outpatient services for getting back into the real world. It's very personal for me. For twelve years I was addicted, and I've been clean now for six years. I knew if I didn't get help it would cost me my life. Once I went to treatment and was doing well, I realized that I needed to do something that I loved. [At my apartment complex] they have an outreach program. I help run that, and tutor the kids after school. I also volunteer with my church.
Moving was the best thing I could have done, even though it was hard at the time. Everything I lost, I got back.  

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