PHOTO 1 (left): Dozens of guests gathered for the ground breaking for Restoration Hill.
PHOTO 2: VOA graduate Nicole Lovell. shares her story.
PHOTO 3: Nadine Scamp, VOA; Nicole Lovell; Bette Moser, HomeAid Houston; Cindi Adams
PHOTO 4: Cindi Adams from Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church provided inspiration through song.
NICOLE'S STORY
At the recent ground breaking of Restoration Hill, a HomeAid project with partners Camden Builders and Volunteers of America, guests were honored to hear a testimonial by one of the graduates of VOA. This is Nicole’s story.
“My chance to live and I took it”
Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict. My sobriety date is 08/28/08 and for that I am truly grateful. Before I got to the program, my only answer to life's situations was to drink and use. Today I believe a person’s bottom is when they quit digging, and by the time I quit digging, I had lost my children, my family, and myself. I am a six time convicted felon and felt that I would never become a valued member of
society, be able to drive a car, rent an apt, get a job, be a mom or a friend.
I was arrested again in August of 2008 and facing 25 years to life due to my priors. I asked for help at that time. I was diagnosed as an addict and sworn in as a STAR Drug Court client, sentenced to four years deferred probation and intense recovery program. I was released to VOA in October 2008.
Slowly I began to find self-esteem. I was given access to all the counselors. Through my achievements along the way, they were all there giving me their time and support. I successfully completed the 90 day inpatient program and decided to continue on to the VOA outpatient program. As a result, today I am into my third year at the same job.
My children live with me, I bought a car and furnished my home. I have become a participant in the Thrive Initiative and have saved $6,000 toward the purchase of my first home. I graduated from STAR Drug Court December 2009 and I successfully discharged my four year probation two years early. I am engaged to be married and have a wonderful support group.
But more than all of that, thanks to God, to the people in the business of helping women like me and the program. I give my thanks and sincere gratitude to the Spiritual Program of Action and people like you, for without you, my desperation meant death, but because of you my desperation turned out to be a gift.
Sincerely, Nicole C. Lovell Our mission: To build dignified housing where homeless families & individuals can rebuild their lives. CALENDAR MAY 4
HomeAid's First Annual HALO Luncheon
11 MAY
Plaque installation at Santa Maria Hostel
OF EVENTS 15 MAY GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | MAY 2011
Completion of HAH Care Project Houston Area Women's Center with William Shaw & Assoc.
11-12 JUNE
Project Playhouse at GHBA's 10th Annual New Home & Remodeling Show
21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48