Margaret’s journey began in March of 2005 when her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer and died five months later. After his passing, Margaret had to give up their house and her job in Anne Arundel County. With no where else to turn, she moved in with her mother and she soon began drinking and using drugs to ease her sorrow.

Not long after, Margaret’s mother also passed away leaving her alone and devastated. During this time, Margaret became homeless and then eventually moved in with a boyfriend who was also struggling with drug addiction. For the next four years, she says her life was a living nightmare. “I was always worrying where my next meal was coming from, drinking and using drugs every night” she says.

This past March, Margaret decided it was time to change her life. She went into treatment for her drug addiction and today she is more than four months clean and sober. “Four months is the longest I have been clean and I am very proud of that” says Margaret. With many attempts at sobriety already under her belt, Margaret says this time is different because of My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (MSPWC). “My Sisters Place has given me the encouragement I needed to get out of where I was…I am learning that people can change and that there are people out there who do really care”.

At My Sister’s Place Women’s Center, Margaret is not only taking advantage of the many classes aimed at helping her prepare for the future, she is also building a routine and laying the foundation for a life of stability, something that is vital to her sobriety.

While at MSPWC, Margaret has been assigned a case manager, she started attending adult education courses and regularly takes advantage of the laundry and shower facilities as well as the three meals offered each day. Through MSPWC, Margaret is now working on earning her GED and has access to a therapist who is helping her work through some of the emotional trauma that caused her to turn to drugs and alcohol in the first place.

Margaret is also volunteering at MSPWC, helping to clean up after meals and set the tables for the following meal service. She says having the opportunity to volunteer makes her feel like she is giving back and doing something positive with her time rather than focusing on her struggles.

“Each day is still a challenge,” she says “but I thank God every night for My Sister’s Place.” Today, Margaret is taking each day as it comes and taking “baby steps” towards her future. “It takes a lot of hard work and patience,” she says, but she is determined to reach her goals. She is focused on continuing her sobriety, attaining stable employment and finding a nice home for herself.

Until she reaches these goals, Margaret is making the most of each and every day. “It is all about your attitude, and getting up and doing something positive for yourself,” she says. Margaret knows she has a long road ahead of her, but with her determination and continued support from MSPWC, she is well on the way to a better tomorrow.
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center