I'm sleeping in my car just got over 12 year relationship that was very toxic and abusive I am diagnosed with severe anxiety depression and complex BTSD since my foundation has been ripped from underneath me I'm sleeping in my car alone I'm a hundred in 10 lb woman sleeping in her car all by herself it doesn't really help with the trauma that I've already endured quite a bit in my life I've been on and off the streets since I was 12 years old I'm 34 now I have really no family or any support system and I just really need some help
I absolutely love self I have taken all but two of their classes I have been a speaker in front of the board to relay information as to what we feel may help us and what we feel May hinder us I received my construction certificate as well as OSHA certificate during their construction class or build up academies I just can't say enough about this program I'm now getting ready to take the micros program as I'm wanting to open a nonprofit business myself I learned how to paint through all my trials and tribulations I am a project of mental physical emotional abuse rape robbery addiction abandonment teenage mother and the murder of my son I didn't want to live but I came here and trying to give it another shot I was using drugs everyday praying not to wake up but I did I guess God had something in store for me so now it's been 7 years since my son's passed away and I'm able to get up and do things I broke my back when my son was murdered so I'm on disability so I have limitations with my pain I'm able to express myself Express what's been done to me and share with the world and tell the stories that need to be heard I've had a lot to do with kids hope program up north I've had 18 children in my home throughout my life taking care of them so with this painting I want to offer lessons and have paint parties but then I want to give back by every Saturday having paint group for neighborhood kids they're at risk and I want to call it escaping Express that way they can escape the drama or whatever is going on in their life and they can learn to express themselves instead it was violence and anger and drugs and alcohol there's other ways if you haven't tried self give it a try they've truly seen me through a lot of things
It's not everyday people can wake up and say 'I love my job' but I can. Some people don't understand why I work for a non-profit and that's fine, as long as i know why, that's all that matters. I love my job because i get to help people who truly are trying to make a better life for them and their families.
I have chosen to wake up everyday and work for Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF), a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Butler County residents by impacting the causes of poverty and empowering individuals to achieve, sustain and advocate self-sufficiency.
Working with individuals who work 2-3 jobs just to provide for their family is an eye opening experience. People think of those in poverty as unmotivated, but that is far from the truth. I have meet some of the most hard working individuals, who just need a hand-up to where they want to go in life and create a stable environment for themselves and their children.
I am inspired by the strength and persistence of these individuals to just keep going when they are at a hard place in their lives. They are just like everyone else and anyone could fall into the same position they are in. Helping these people get back on their feet and live a self-sufficient life is the most rewarding feeling. Reach out and lend a helping hand, one day you may need the favor in return.
That's my reason, what's yours?
To learn more about SELF go to www.selfhelps.org
Review from #MyGivingStory