For 15 years, I battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol that nearly ended my life. I was homeless, hopeless, and completely alone. I wandered the streets aimlessly everyday, searching for myself, for love, for someone to care. I found myself in an endless cycle of despair and in and out of jails and prison. I thought there was no hope for me; I had given up. On April 13th, 2016, I came into contact with an officer who treated me differently than anyone else had. He did not look down in me in shame, but instead looked me in the eyes and told me that I could do better. He told me that even though I had made some mistakes in my life, I was not a mistake. He believed in me, even when I had forgotten how to believe in myself. No one had ever spoken those kind words to me. This is where my recovery began. The last seven years of my life has been miraculous. I have gained the support and encouragement of so many amazing people along the way. I am now a wife, a mother, and a homeowner. More than any material gains, I have gained peace and healing from trauma, become connected to people who love me, and found a joy and appreciation for life that carries me through even the toughest days. Little did that officer know, but on the side of the road that sunny day in April he lit a spark that ignited a wildfire of hope in my soul. I knew immediately after I began my recovery that I wanted to help others find the same healing and hope that was given to me. I have dedicated my life to reaching others who are seeking recovery. I began working at a residential treatment facility in 2018, and in 2019 obtained my Peer Support Certification through the Department of Mental Health. Now, I work with Mental Health Association of South Mississippi as a Peer Recovery Coach, training peer support specialists across the state. Going back to school to pursue a career in Social Work has been an important decision for me. I am the CEO of a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that is designed to provide a sober living environment for individuals who are seeking to find support in their transition from treatment to long term recovery. Our program is still under construction, but once opened, we hope to provide an array of services within the home to maximize success for our residents, including individual and group therapy, case management, peer support, transportation and job assistance, recovery support groups, and much more. As I did, many people just need someone to look them in the eye and truly believe that change is possible, that they matter, and that someone cares for them. Obtaining my degree will assist me in making the most of my opportunity to serve others. No matter where a person has been in life, everyone deserves a chance to live the life they choose. I want to be an agent of change that helps people to step out of the shadows of their shame and into the glorious sunshine of their new life in recovery!