Ashlee's Story
Before I moved into Bethany House, I lived with my mom, who was a drug user, and my step-father, who was an alcoholic and abusive. Two years ago, I had a child, a daughter, whom the State removed from me at six months old, because of my own drug problem.

The State laid out certain requirements before she could be returned to me: Attend parenting classes, take random drug test, attend drug and alcohol treatment, get a job and find a safe environment/home for my child. You would have thought that I would have done these things for my child, but with the combination of drugs fogging my brain and my lacking family support, I failed.

Before long, I found out I was pregnant – again. By the time I was about 5 months pregnant, I heard about Bethany House. I scheduled an appointment with the director and housemother and went for an interview. I was scared that they would not accept me.

I was wrong, they wanted to help me in every way possible. I moved into Bethany House January 6, 2004. I wasn’t sure what was in store for me, but I knew I wanted to better myself and my relationship with God. I made a promise to myself not to leave, so I could give them a chance to help me in every way they could.

They provided me a safe, nurturing and encouraging environment, which, in turn, has given me a new outlook on life. I have a renewed hope for myself and my children. Being at Bethany House has been the most positive experience in my life. I have quit using drugs and am turning my life around at this very moment as will as building a relationship with my birth father.

Thank you for providing a safe environment at Bethany House.

– Ashlee

 

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