She Is More Than Her Worst Decision
We are so excited to share this testimony from Abbey. Abbey came to Zoe just a couple of weeks after we opened after she was released from a stint in jail in March of 2020. As the nation closed down for COVID, we opened and began welcoming people seeking freedom from addiction. Abbey’s light is shining and we are excited to be on the journey with her.
Abbey’s story in her words:
“Alongside depression and anxiety I have struggled with addiction to alcohol and intravenous drugs for close to 16 years. I have never been comfortable in my own skin. Past traumas of physical and verbal abuse along with losing friends to overdose has left me with poor coping skills. When bad things happen I tended to shut down and want to block it all out.
I have used the people closest to me, stealing from them as well as neglecting my kids to feed my addiction. My life has been hard partly because of my own doing but also because of many things that have been done to me against my will. I never had the tools to cope, or figure out how to deal with things and move on instead of using to try and numb the pain.
Since going to jail this time around I found God! He has helped point me in the right direction to get the tools I need. Zoe Freedom center has given me so many resources to help me find freedom. I am receiving tutoring because I didn’t go to school much growing up, counseling as well as teaching me more about God and strengthening my faith. I’m still learning the tools I need to stay clean and working the program. I come to Zoe Freedom Center a few times a week and I really enjoy it. Dana and the volunteers are so loving and kind and work with me. I have learned so much and I am continuing to learn. One of the things I love most about Zoe Freedom Center is it’s faith based! It’s a peaceful place you feel loved and accepted no matter what you’ve done or what you’ve been through.
During the time of me using I felt dirty, disgusting with no self-worth, willing to sell myself or anything I had for drugs. I felt unworthy, unclean and like I was nothing. But now with faith, the love I have, as well as the support of Zoe Freedom Center this time around, I don’t feel like that anymore.”
Note from Dana - Abbey is a rock star, she and others like her are the reason we do this. Everyone has purpose, they just need some help to get back on the right path.