Courage: Maureen's Story

Maureen awoke one night to a frightening round of abuse by her boyfriend. After four years of this violence and a life of addiction, Maureen had had enough. She escaped and got herself clean—an accomplishment she has proudly stuck with for one year and eight days.

She also began attending Women’s Empowerment, eager to build her inner strength.

She admits that it’s hard work, but she feels fulfilled knowing she has come so far and is about to graduate. After all, as she says, “I didn’t get clean to use again. I’ve gained important education from Women’s Empowerment. They’ve helped me learn how to forgive myself.”

Maureen has found the strength to return to life patterns that once made her feel successful before drugs entered her life. For example, when she was earning her bachelor’s degree at Berkeley, she was trained to work in a local coffee shop. She recently returned to a local branch, where she was eagerly accepted back.

Now, Maureen has a regular income. She no longer relies on others to help her. In fact, she earns enough from disability payments (as a result of injuries from domestic violence) that she does not have to work, but she still chooses to do so. It makes her feel good about herself.

Sometimes, Maureen looks back at her old life with regret. “I have a college degree. I can’t believe I was in an abusive relationship,” she says. Yet, she pauses and reflects on what she has learned at Women’s Empowerment, “I don’t feel I have to punish myself anymore.”

Having the courage to move forward and to make changes in her life has made all the difference to Maureen. She is scheduled to move into a home a few days after graduation.