Kelly, a Champa House resident of five months, and
a recent recipient of the GED diploma states, “I came in here – it
was tough at first. But now it’s just amazing…Just being
here, I know I’m safe…” The schedule and structure
at Champa are “…teaching my kids – even me – to
be responsible.”
These are profound words from a young woman who experienced a troubled
family life while growing up, unhealthy relationships that endured mental
and physical abuse, self-destructive behavior that included drug abuse
and crime, and a lack of the basic education needed to obtain meaningful
employment. Any of these obstacles alone could set a person back, but
when they all converged in Kelly’s life the results were devastating…but
that’s not the end of the story.
Kelly had been attempting to obtain her GED for the last ten years,
and thanks to the New Life Program and its emphasis on education, her
dreams were finally realized. The true value of this accomplishment is
captured best in her own words: “To me, it’s greater than
winning a million dollars because I’ve tried…to finish up,
to get my GED, to get that diploma. And now I can say, 'I can do
anything now! I’m ready!'”
And ready she is. At the end of January, Kelly begins classes at Emily
Griffith Opportunity School to become an administrative assistant. With
God’s help and her newfound determination, we believe she is bound
for a much better life. Congratulations to Kelly and all of our December
graduates!
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