Janet’s Story

Janet* knows she made mistakes in her life, but by the time she came to Calvary, she was ready to turn her life around. “When I was on drugs, I abused myself so bad,” she told me. “I got put out of my place. I didn’t have anywhere to go.”

She had been staying at a substance abuse treatment program, but when the time came to move to other housing, she found that many other programs in the city wouldn’t accept her unless she had income already.

“My first night at Calvary, I knew it was the place for me to be. I didn’t feel afraid, and I didn’t feel like I wasn’t wanted.”

Since she came to Calvary, Janet has been attending meetings and support groups to maintain her sobriety. Janet’s case manager is helping her get in to a literacy program to improve her reading skills so she will be more prepared for employment. She has also been regularly attending classes at Calvary’s LEAP program.

“Going to Life skills classes helps me feel like I’m not alone. It makes me feel confident – makes me feel better about myself knowing that I can accomplish things.”

She’s also very grateful for the volunteers who lead the classes and bring in meals: “They’re awesome! They always treat everybody as an equal.”

Along with staying sober, Janet said her goals are to “get a job, save my money so I can get my own place. Get my reading skills up and eventually get my GED.”

“I know I can do better with my life,” Janet said. “Calvary helps you to motivate YOU to do better for yourself. They help build you up. Calvary gives you things to help you heal.”

*Name has been changed to ensure confidentiality