Theresa is dedicated mom, a devoted friend and a hard worker. She spent much of her life searching for a place of belonging. At Saranam, she found a community and place to call her own. Belonging has given her confidence in her identity and the strength to face whatever comes next.
Searching for a Place
Her home as a child was unstable and the trauma she experienced left her feeling unmoored and alone. Though she was unsure of her place in the world, her steely determination carried her through an abusive relationship and helped her support her daughter as a teen parent after leaving school prematurely.
The life she had tenaciously built was derailed when tragic accidents took the lives of her brother and her partner in the same year and she was left alone with two children under the age of 5. Devastated by the loss of her remaining support systems she began to take pills to cope; a habit that would come to haunt her.
Forever Changing Her Future
At the crossroads of a long and arduous path, the hope of a different life with her kids gave her the strength to turn her life around. She entered a treatment program, began her faith journey, and started rebuilding her relationship with her parents. She even got a job in the administration building of the prison. After 5-years of successful sobriety, Theresa heard about Saranam and knew it was finally her chance to forever change her future.
Their family’s acceptance into the program was a relief for both her and her kids. “Waiting felt like my life was on hold and the kids were worried that we’d continue in the same unstable way we had for years.” At Saranam their family reunited under one roof- a dream come true.
With their stability assured, Theresa became the backbone for her family that she always wanted to be. Within months she finished her GED and began college classes, maintaining a 4.0 GPA! She is proud to set a powerful example for her children and hopes it inspires them to invest in their own education.
“I want to send my kids into the world prepared and coming from a place of security and trust.”
Full Circle
Most importantly, the connections their family have built with each other, and within the community, have given them a sense of belonging that had been missing for many years. Having dedicated time to enjoy family activities, along with Saranam’s parenting and life skills classes, helped Theresa learn how to reassure her kids as they heal from their past. “We’re finally getting a sense of identity and I’m able to pick up the pieces from my childhood.”
From small gestures like picking up milk for a friend to receiving emotional support as she navigates a new future, the community she found at Saranam has given her the confidence to reach for big dreams.
“It’s full circle at Saranam – we deal with our past, we’re united in the present and together in planning the future.”