I obtained a position as a paid intern for the County of Orange this past October. I was brought in as a temp employee through a third party to continue my position there at In Home Supportive Services, SSA. Through networking for mock interviews and preparation, I passed a series of tests and interviewed for a position with the County. I now have a great paying permanent position! I also auditioned for the worship team at my church and made it! I am serving the Lord and being mentored to. I’ve made new friends and find myself at church three times a week. This is a huge part of my new foundation. I filed a Stipulation for 50/50 custody of my son Dominic at the request of his father. He feels that I am extremely good for my son and the more time I spend with him, the better. I love watching him light up every time I arrive. He is in Jujitsu now and I am proud to report he obtained his first belt promotion recently. I now have him with me Thursday through Sunday every week! Bella is 15 months now and so amazing! When she took her first steps I almost missed it. She RAN away with my keys! Blonde, curly hair and big blue eyes. Who knew I would be so blessed to cuddle up and kiss something so precious and from me. I am so grateful for my sobriety and my new life I have today. I just celebrated my two year sobriety birthday! My oldest child Alexandra (11 years old) lives with her father, but she video calls me every single day and stays the night with me on occasion. We always meet up once a week for family time at my place. I’m so grateful to watch her grow and learn. She hopes to one day become a fashion designer. She does ALL of my mending. Unfortunately, I was in a car accident in April which resulted in my car being totaled. I was taken to the hospital and found out I needed surgery. With much love and support through this process, I underwent the surgery. I was able to replace my car and got a newer one, better than I’ve ever had before! My son calls it the batman car. The surgery was a success and I’m feeling energized and healthy. I am actively working my steps, as is my new sponsee! I speak as often as possible about my experience, strength and hope so that another person may hear what they need for where they are in their walk. I have a strong relationship with my sponsor and love that I can pull whatever I need to hear from a simple phone call. My case manager recently gave me an application for a program called SPIN, Serving People In Need. I was approved and moved into my new apartment with Bella and Dominic. Casa Teresa gave me almost everything I could need to fill my apartment with the help of a generous donor. I have support and love all around me. And the best news of all…I’m only a mile away from Casa Teresa. I can come by and volunteer or visit. The people from Casa Teresa pushed me when they knew I needed to be pushed. They loved me when I made a bad decision and did not judge me. I never understood love the way I do now. I am beautiful, loved, and safe. My children and I will forever have Casa Teresa in our hearts!
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Going into Casa Teresa I had my mind set to graduate with a diploma, it was my main goal. I figured that it would take just as long as it would take to obtain my GED. But going and talking to Maria (Career and Education Manager), showed me that there was a way for me to graduate right before my baby boy was born if I set my mind to it. That made me feel like I had one foot in the door. Going to school everyday and taking the bus was an experience I'll never forget. It helped me to become more independent and my teachers, Odie and Vanessa, were amazing during the process. They always had a positive attitude, which made my learning experience great and kept me motivated. Now that I accomplished my goal I can't wait to start my new life with my son and start working towards my next goal!
Irene completed her five High School Equivalency Tests through American Career College's Education Foundation. This accomplishment was celebrated at our Graduation ceremony in August. We are so proud of her hard work and dedication! |
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