Resident Recognition: Natalie

Natalie initially came to us as part of our HOPE program. The HOPE program is a partnership with

Bexar County and Lifetime Recovery that offers incarcerated women a therapeutic alternative to jail or prison. 

“Right before the HOPE program came to me I was in Bexar County jail for, like, the tenth time and I was looking at more prison time.” Realizing that something in her life needed to change, she decided to give the HOPE program a try. After 90 days she was enjoying a new outlook on life and was offered the opportunity to interview for our dorm program but wasn’t sure she wanted to move in to sober living.

“I was so against sober living. I just didn’t want to do it. But I’m so glad I didn’t listen to that voice inside me that said ‘Don’t do it’. That was six months ago and it was the best decision I ever made.”

She says Pay It Forward has given her the chance to be the mom that she needs to be both for her current children and the one on the way, which is due to enter this world on July 6.

“I feel like Pay It Forward saved my life. It kept me sober and connected with other girls who are also sober and going in the same direction as I am.”

Her favorite part about our program is the camaraderie with the other ladies. “We go to meetings together, we do everything together. I love being around girls who have the same goals as me.”

Natalie is already looking towards the next phase of her life with excitement. “I can’t wait to be self-sufficient. I feel like PIF helped me with keeping a full-time job, and paying rent, and doing things that most adults take for granted, because I never did those things before. This place taught me how to be more responsible and do the things that I should have been doing anyway but never did because I was in my addiction.” 

Another part of her growth here has been learning how to be a leader. “I feel like being Dorm Captain I’m put in the position of being a leader. I wasn’t used to that, but I’m getting there.”

Yes. Yes she is.