You may think that I am complaining, but, I am not. Yes, it has been hard, but I have risen above the rest. I have always walked with faith and that same faith has opened several doors for me. Yes, me the lazy little spoiled brat. I gained college credits and had started a college program all in a place that society chooses to ignore: BAYVIEW CORRECTIONAL in the heart of Chelsea.

In this place of complete disarray, the place of displaced emotions, I first heard of Providence House. First, I heard that I would be living with nuns. I am not Catholic, nor am I an avid churchgoer, but I do believe in God. So I said okay and decided that this place may work. When you think of nuns you think of those scary black dresses and big hats like “The Flying Nun” from television. Well, that isn’t the reality at my house, meaning Providence House. I was greeted with open arms, me scared to death right out of the state pen after serving seven and a half years.

My mother had passed on, I have some family and I am 39 years old. You can’t tell me what it was like for me growing up, so I made the decision to grow up and learn to live life like women do everyday. When I came home, I didn’t know anything about welfare, nor did I know anything about Brooklyn, but the staff and the Sisters of Providence House encouraged me to move forward.

Since I have been home, I have been afforded the opportunity to work with a production company telling my story – our story — the life and struggles of the transition from prison back to the real world. The Sisters and staff were there with me every step of the way, offering ideas, words of encouragement or just a smile, and with these gestures of sincerity I am able to move forward. I am not saying that life has been easy for me, nor am I saying that I have been offered an easy way out. What I am saying is that they help you feel safe, offer help and if they can’t help, you will know by the end of the day somebody can.

It’s always easy to do the familiar. Today I do what’s not familiar and ask for help. I stay honest with myself first, and then others second, because I know today I am surrounded by not just anybody, or people trying to get what they can. Today, I live with saints, real saints, the Saints of Providence House, My House! So, I say to anyone who is reading this. Do the right thing, stay true to yourself, and ask for help if you need it. The saints will come marching in; truly they will.

This quote exemplifies my life. At the age of 24, I migrated to the USA alone in search of a better life. In my search of this dream, I remained 10 years without my legal status. Despite the adversity, I still empowered myself by taking any free educational class that was offered to immigrants. I finally got my green card, which offered my new lease on life. This card gave me the privilege to pursue a formal education, which had always eluded me. With this liberty I signed up in a CUNY College to pursue a degree in Education. My life seemed stable and my goals were in progress, when I suddenly became the victim of homelessness due to issues deriving from domestic violence. My three daughters and I had no friends and family to turn to and our only hope was the city shelter. Fortunately, we were extremely lucky to be sent to Providence House. The staff there was very warm and compassionate. The caseworker offered us a plethora of social services that allowed my family and me to get back on our feet.

Today, verily I say that I have moved on with my life. I have graduated with my A.A. in Teachers Education and a B.A. in Human Services. Presently, I am doing my M.S. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Women’s Studies.

The experience at Providence House has changed our lives immensely. My eldest daughter has completed an A.A. in Liberal Arts and is now pursuing a B.A. in Women’s Studies. The other two girls are doing excellent in school. Providence House has supported and propelled our educational endeavors through the philanthropic support of the Switzer Foundation Scholarships. With the help of these scholarships we were empowered to transform our lives through education, thereby bringing out our potential to the fullest.

Globally, the feminization of poverty shows us that women are oppressed, abused, exploited, etc. because they lack education, and in some cultures have no voice. I encourage women of color and minorities to get empowerment through education, because it is the only thing that makes people viable to themselves. Education begins at home and continues in school. It is a life-long process that gives you the ability of leadership because you are knowledgeable.

As women in the 21st Century, we need to educate ourselves in order to secure proper jobs, be good citizens, teach our children, and be more socially cognizant of issues. Obtaining a good education is not easy. It is expensive, time-consuming and stressful. Some of the challenges are filing forms, remedial classes, exams, researching, and a lot of running to different departments. However, to succeed one must use all the resources available, learn to network with people, read every piece of literature that is given to you thoroughly, and seek help when it is needed.

Many days you will feel defeated when you encounter negative people, difficult professors, and tough assignments. As daunting as it may seem, arm yourself with patience, determination, tenacity and perseverance, for this too shall pass. In spite of life’s vicissitudes you have the power to control your destiny and bring your dreams to fruition.

I arrived at Providence House in September of 2001, and was very pleased by the welcoming staff and the courtesy and respect they continue to show. My perception of a shelter was totally different from what I saw here. I used to think that a shelter was a place that was not quite so clean, with staff who were not quite so nice and respectful. I’m happy to say that Providence House has proved me wrong.

Someone once told me that everything bad that happens should be looked at as a blessing in disguise. I never asked to be homeless, who would? I like to view this as God’s way of preparing me. I think it’s his way of testing me because he knows that I will overcome it, even though at times I don’t feel that way. I do feel blessed; my children are healthy and so am I. I’m blessed because of the roof over my head, which God provided. He also makes sure that my children and I are clothed and fed. And most of all, he blessed me with two precious little boys. Boys who will one day become men and it’s up to me to help shape them and make sure they grow up to be respectable, loving, productive and responsible. My babies are my reason for wanting to succeed in life. At times I feel hopeless but then I look into their little eyes, and those little eyes make me feel like I can climb the highest mountain, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

I may be homeless, but I’m not hopeless.

Not only did I achieve two goals within weeks of each other, I was able to move into my new apartment with my daughter and I have a job that I enjoy. I would like to thank everyone at Providence House I for their wonderful support, and a huge thank you to Ms. Weeks, Case Manager, for all her help and advice.