Rhonda G

"My name is Rhonda G. I came from a large family, my father being the only caregiver for most of the time I grew up. At the age of 17, I got a job, began to hang out, and at age 18, I became pregnant.

Years later I began to experiment with drugs. I smoked cocaine and I could not stop using. I did not believe I had a problem. I gave birth to three daughters while using drugs. I was constantly in substance abuse programs. It became obvious to me, my family, and friends that I had a problem and could not stop using drugs. Friends and family encouraged me to get help. I entered Eva's Recovery Center for Women May 16, 2003. While in the program I learned a great deal about my addiction and was taught skills to help me remain free of drugs. After 15 months in program and aftercare, I graduated on January 25, 2005.

I moved to Eva's Family Shelter's Transitional Housing. I have a two-bedroom apartment. The rent is minimal and I can save for my transition into mainstream living. I obtained a job and my youngest daughter age 8 lives with me. My daughter attends the Family Shelter's After-School program daily and the Children's 'Feelings' Group sessions once weekly. I attend Parenting Education group weekly, individual counseling, and substance abuse peer groups. The services provided at Eva's Village have helped me to realize that there are people in this world that care, and will help me if I am willing to accept their help. It is my opinion that ÔEva's Village is the place where hope begins'. Thank God for Eva's Village."

Clara T.

Clara T. entered Eva's Shelter for Mothers and Children shortly before Christmas 2002. She had dropped out of school but still received her GED at the same time she should have graduated Ð in 1979. She also gave birth to her daughter, Taliah, that year. She had taken a course in welding, began to work, moved into her own apartment with her daughter, and was independent.

After a couple of years, Clara began experimenting with drugs and within a year was addicted to crack cocaine. Clara somehow raised her daughter, met her son's father and struggled through her drug habit when she became pregnant with Miles, her son, in 1992. She was tough, "in denial", thinking she could do it "all on her own" until she couldn't juggle it all anymore on welfare and finally became homeless.

"I did come sort of kicking and screaming to Eva's Shelter. I had planned on going to Welfare and staying at a hotel and being free. I thought all shelters were the same Ð just like I saw on television Ð dirty, unsafe Ð and to be just around women?!? The hotel would be fine. But I guess God had another plan for me.

From the time I walked up to the front door of Eva's I felt safe. I felt for the first time I was in good hands. I couldn't believe how clean everything was Ð and the good food. When I picked my son up from school and brought him to Eva's, he said, 'Mommy, you should've done this a long time ago!'

I made my room here a real home here. It was beautiful. My son and I were really enjoying life. We moved into the Transitional Apartments last year and are so happy.

I take responsibility for where I had come from, I keep my mind straight. I am so grateful to Eva's. I don't have any problem doing anything for Eva's. My recovery started here but it doesn't end. I don't want to do anything to ruin this. Miles has even said ÔI got my Mommy back.!'"

Rose W.

Rose W. originally came to Eva's Emergency Overnight Shelter for Women in October of 2001 after being left homeless due to a recurring problem with drug addiction. The continuum of care provided by Eva's Village introduced her to a number of options and support to remain drug-free. Today, Rose lives with her family in Paterson, has come full circle, and is now employed as a counselor aide at the Shelter for Women full time and states:

"This was a start for a better life for me. I am now an employee of Eva's Village and have a really good relationship with my sons. I now have friends that I can say are true friends. Basically, Eva's really helped me save my life."

Daphne

Daphene, a resident of Eva's Transitional Apartments, is 38 years old, has three boys, aged seventeen, four, and three months. She had been homeless and addicted to crack/cocaine and heroin. She has been off drugs for sixteen months, attends meetings and is going to school. This is her story.

"I never knew who my father was, and I felt I was treated differently than my brothers and sisters and always felt like the black sheep of the family. I graduated from high school and soon after got pregnant with my first child who is now 17 years old. I always had a job and supported us. Then, when I was twenty-five years old, a boyfriend introduced me to crack/cocaine. That was the beginning of an addiction that took me to heroin and homelessness and near death when I had a drug-induced heart attack. I wanted to come home but I had no place to live, but I was ready to work on myself. I got in touch with Bonnie at the Family Shelter, and she had faith in me. My third child was born while I was there. I found the parenting classes opened up new ways for me, as I never had a parental role model to look up to. I am now in the transitional apartments and on my way to finding a good job. I choose not to have that (drugs) around my kids and raise my family in fear. I choose to be an independent woman.

I have never felt so much joy, just to wake up, and get the kids dressed. If I feel overwhelmed there is always someone to go to. I have faith in my God."

Gustavo

Perhaps nothing better illustrates the special concern that Eva's has for the poor than the story of a mentally-ill individual named Gustavo, a homeless man living on the streets who would come to Eva's Kitchen for a daily meal. He refused to sleep inside, refused clothing and shoes, walked the streets in sandals even in the coldest weather, and he had not bathed in five years. Gustavo speaks no English, and frostbite Ð combined with complications from diabetes Ð had eaten away the flesh of his toes, leaving exposed bone.

He was arrested by the police and taken to a local hospital for medical care. When told that they would have to amputate his toes, Gustavo left the hospital untreated. Our medical director picked him up, brought him to the Clinic and took care of his feet daily.

Finally, because he trusted the doctor, Gustavo was persuaded to bathe. The doctor helped Gustavo get showered and scrubbed. Gustavo also accepted new clothes and shoes, and agreed to stay overnight in Eva's shelter. He allowed the doctor to perform surgery on his feet and his toes began to heal. Now Gustavo checks in daily so that the doctor can monitor his medication and tend to his healing wounds.