Tammie’s Story “ A lot of times, I didn’t know where we’d eat,” she said.  “I’d leave my three kids in the car while I’d steal food out of a grocery store.  I was terrified I was going to lose them.  My son would scream that I couldn’t even take care of him.  I thought the only way to get out of the mess was to commit more crimes and keep making money.”

When Tammie came to the New Genesis Women’s Transitional Housing Program in Denver, Colorado, she had just been released from The Haven, a correctional facility for offenders with serious drug addictions.  Motivated by a strong desire to regain custody of her children and a sincere sense of remorse for her criminal activity, Tammie began attending group counseling sessions and living in one of the New Genesis apartments.  Slowly, she began rebuilding her life.

Today, Tammie counsels other women at New Genesis, helping them to navigate the same seas of homelessness, addiction and incarceration she once faced.  As a New Genesis paraprofessional, she is continually challenged to make a difference in the lives of others.

“For me the most powerful force came from losing my children, then getting them back,” she said.  “It’s especially true now that my kids can trust me that I’m clean.  I’m a lot happier than ever before.”

To read testimonials from the men’s program in Denver, click here.