In her own words...

02

Early Life

It's always been my belief that our lives are not for ourselves. Instead, they are to be of service to our fellows. Becoming a home health professional, I was blessed to be able to provide comfort, emotional, and spiritual support to clients who had been given terminal diagnoses, and I've done that and other things over the past 23 years. Ironically enough, as much love as I poured into others, I did the opposite to myself. Those matters that I never faced and kept secret eventually began to surface as I tried to navigate through life.

After the death of my grandmother and best friend, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Because of the stigma attached to that, I didn't seek out therapy or counseling. Instead, I chose to self-medicate, which led to an opioid addiction, several short terms of incarceration, a few trips to the neuropsych center, and definitely a few to rehab. Oddly enough, it's in those places that I thrived and also how I was introduced to St. John's Church Downtown.

One day in 2008, I hopped on a van leaving Sally's House and arrived at 2019 Crawford St. There was something in the air: the place, the people, the love, but mainly the acceptance. I saw people who looked ike me openly worshipping God without shame. I was included and no longer excluded. Within a year, I joined and began volunteering in the kitchen some Sundays after the 10 a.m. service. I also began my own small outreach, providing hygiene bags to displaced women and other things. I eventually transitioned to the NW campus. I had moments of sobriety, yet I still struggled. Eventually, I found a great sponsor, Jackie S., who kicked my butt working the 12 steps of AA. I was able to forgive those that hurt me, those that I hurt, and most importantly, forgive myself. It took time, some great losses, and grieving the death of my brother for me to finally see that I had to do the work continuously, because tomorrow isn't promised.

03

Light at the End of the Tunnel

In January of 2023, I began my peer support counseling classes and applied with Bread of Life Academy. In August of 2023, I graduated Salutatorian of my class, receiving my phlebotomy and community health worker certifications. I am currently working, providing hospice care to a private duty client, and making preparations for the BOL Alumni/Quest job fair this month. I've begun the expungement process on my background. Every day, I place my vote for Bread Of Life with The Houston Chronicle so they can receive more funding, and sometimes volunteer on distribution Saturdays. I am using the skills learned in my CHW class to assist my best friend, Aubrey Chanel Burley, with her non-profit organization, Granny's House, providing aid and resources to the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to complete my PSC, work with dual-diagnosed clients, and do more outreach. My message to future students is that no matter where you are in life, there's always the chance to start anew and become a better you! Let nothing or no one deter you from greatness.   -Wenona