Jesse's Story
Jesse came into our Permanent Supportive Housing Program after finishing the Community Sentencing Program due to a 2007 drug arrest. At a young 34 years old, she had battled with addiction for many years. As a result, she found herself homeless and hopeless.
After three years in our program, Jesse has completed her GED and has started taking college classes. We are so proud of her! The best way to tell Jesse's story is to hear directly from her:
I had been in a world of addiction for about 9 years. I started later in life and I suffered every day. I got arrested in March of 2007 and got into the Community Sentencing Program in Tulsa County. I was released from jail on a Pretrial Release bond through Tulsa County Court Services. I was 34 years old.
It took me a little while to get it, because I had experienced addiction for so long. My self esteem was shot and I could not even look at myself in the mirror any more. I went through the court system and several treatment oriented classes, and spent time at 12&12 more than once. Well, I did finally get it! I had been clean for 6 months after my 3rd time at 12&12 and I was ready to be released. But I realized that if I went back to where I came from - NOTHING - then I was not going to make it. I called my former Pretrial Release Officer, who was now a part of my support system, and I asked for ideas and for help. I broke down and was balling and I told her that I would not make it if I went back to living on and off of the streets again. My supporter made some calls and I was connected with Volunteers of America of Oklahoma.
I can say that I took charge and saved my life, but was the biggest part of that saving. John Selph helped save my life. Michelle Pearson helped save my life and Volunteers of America of
Oklahoma helped save my life. I was released from 12&12 and I was taken to an undisclosed location that I found to be a great apartment. I walked in and there was furniture, food in my cabinets, pots and pans and a place that I could lay my head down every night. It sounds common to most, but for me it was not common. I actually knew where I was sleeping, I felt safe and it was mine. I remember telling my supporter that out of 35 years of my life now, that this was the best place that I had ever lived. I guess that might sound sad to some, but for me it was heaven.
I have been drug free for three and a half years now and I still continue to have a huge support system, with Volunteers of America of Oklahoma as one of my biggest supporters. I have been given my life back with a lot of help. I have spoken to several groups and individuals about my story and if I can help just one person, then I feel that I am giving back, just as Volunteers of America of Oklahoma gives to so many. Volunteers of America of Oklahoma not only helped save my life, but they have also been an inspiration for me to help others.