Samantha was a happy child with loving, Christian parents. They had insulated her from most of the darkness of the world, but never taught her about the dangers of addiction. So when she was offered drugs as a teen, Samantha saw no harm in giving them a try. “I started using at 17 and it stuck with me.” 

She went on to start a family of her own, but little by little, addiction took over her life, damaging her faith and stealing her happiness. Eventually, Samantha couldn’t hold a job and lost custody of her children. “I wound up living on the streets,” she says. “I saw everything as negative. I’d lost myself.” 

Then her children’s father was killed in a car accident and the tragedy drove Samantha to change her life. “I wanted to be a good mom, but I knew I couldn’t do it by myself, so I came to the CAC.” 

Through classes and counseling, Samantha has developed the life skills she needs to live free from addiction and become the parent she longed to be. Her relationships with her children are growing strong and soon she’ll regain custody. “The CAC showed me how to give my kids a happy life.” 

With encouragement, guidance and in a safe environment, Samantha’s faith has been restored, and she’s found healing for her emotional wounds. “I’m becoming my old self again, with a positive outlook,” she says. 

Samantha has a job now and is saving money for a home where she and her children could be together again. She can’t wait! “I’m ready to get my kids back,” she says with a smile. “I’m good at being a mom now and I love it.”

This Christmas, Samantha is experiencing the gifts of peace and hope for a brighter future. Thank you for sharing the blessings of God’s love with her.

“The CAC gave me structure, helped me set goals and taught me how to make a better life for my family.”