Teresa was referred to the Re-Entry program at Family Services of NW PA after serving time for drug-related charges. For Teresa, going to jail was just the wakeup call she needed to start moving her life in a positive direction. "I was scared. I did things I never thought I would do," said Teresa. "After spending 90 more days in jail, I knew I was ready to change."
Teresa successfully completed outpatient drug treatment before beginning the Re-Entry Program at Family Services of NW PA. One major component of the program is helping individuals to reestablish positive relationships with family members. This was especially important because, according to Teresa, "My kids are my life. I'm a single mother, so if I want them back in my life, I have to do the right thing. If I don't stay clean, my kids won't have a mother."
The Re-Entry program also helped Teresa reconnect with own her mother. "My mom is a big support system for me," said Teresa. "I lost her when I was using; now I can turn to her for anything. I couldn't ask for a better mom." The ability to reestablish important relationships was one of many major improvements Teresa has made since getting involved with the Re-Entry program. She actively participates in all her sessions and has been available for every scheduled session with her case manager. With the help of the Re-Entry program, Teresa was able to repair important relationships, obtain employment, and continues to express a true desire to strive for a better life.
Teresa also realizes she wouldn't be where she is today without Family Services of NW PA. "They taught me responsibility, how to be a better mother, and how to properly discipline my daughters," said Teresa. "Without them, I wouldn't be the mom I am today."
Teresa has been sober for almost 12 months. She was recently awarded weekend visitations with all four of her children. "For a while I wasn't even allowed to talk to my kids, and now I get to see them every weekend,"said Teresa. "My kids were a huge reason I decided to get clean, so this is a big jump for me and something I am very proud of."
According to Teresa, this is the first time in her adult life that she has a real plan of action for herself and feels good about herself. "I used to be a nobody, and now I feel like a somebody," said Teresa. "You can't do this on your own, and I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without the help of Family Services."
