At 18, I found myself homeless and struggling with substance abuse—a situation I never wanted. After graduating early from high school, I was groomed at 16 by a man who was 24. I believed he cared for me, but that was not truly love. When I turned 18, I left foster care and, shortly after, ended the relationship. I began experiencing street harassment and eventually fell into drug addiction with meth and pills.

I was trafficked by this man, who forced me into dangerous situations, including non-consensual sex and abuse. One of the most traumatic experiences was waking up to him touching me while I was asleep. One night, he took me to an abandoned house and told me he would be back, leaving me alone. I hid there for two days in fear until I gained the courage to escape.

After that, I moved into an apartment with a man who was 55 years old, feeling trapped again. Certainly. Here’s a rephrased third-person version of that statement:

I would often consume over an eighth of an ounce of drugs each day. During this time, I was prostituted to multiple men almost daily, living in constant fear of being raped. The substance use left me feeling so high that I sometimes wanted to hurt myself, simply to feel invincible and escape my pain.

Throughout my journey, I met a girl I grew close to, and we shared a bond that made me feel safe—until her bruises and changing behavior indicated she was also suffering.

Desperate for change, I met a kind woman named Jennifer at a safe center. She reassured me I didn’t have to live in fear anymore and that I could leave the streets behind. With her support, I decided to give up drugs and trust her. She took me to a hotel for three days, where I experienced a spiritual awakening—getting baptized and feeling God’s presence for the first time in my life. That moment was life-changing, filling my heart with love and hope.

Jennifer became like family—a mother figure who helped me find faith and a new path. I literally become like an older sister to her daughter i will forever see and be her family. The red headed step child. I am forever grateful for her compassion and the love that restored my life. Today, I stand with hope and gratitude, thankful for second chances and the healing I’ve found. I love my GOD AND HE IS GOOD! One thing I will never ever forget that Jennifer taught me it to forgive like Jesus and yes, I forgive my abusers!! Spread love and Jesus!