How Far We’ve Come   BY KIm Long (class of 2000)

Kim Long updated e1603228874644

How Far We’ve Come   BY KIm Long (class of 2000)

Just over twenty years ago, on July 4, 2000, I walked through the side gate of CRI-Help, after paroling from CIW.

 I was first introduced to CRI-Help, while serving a year violation.  A wonderful man by the name of Wallace R. came to a Treatment Provider Fair and told me that I could live a better life, and that I never have to do time again.

 Something about this man made me believe this was possible.  I arrived there with one thing in mind – to have a better life.  I had no idea how to do it.

 CRI-Help believed in me when I was unable to believe in myself.  They took a 40-year-old woman and taught her how to re-build her life.  I was encouraged and nurtured by Eva.  She reminded me so much of the mother that I was estranged from.  Eva taught me how to be responsible and how to care for something other than myself.

 I had a safe place to grieve the two siblings I had lost, and I was able to reconnect with the family I had abandoned.  CRI-Help taught me that I was employable when Robyn B. offered me a job and told me that she believed in me.

Because of CR-Help, I learned to love and believe in myself and follow my dreams.

Thank you, CRI-Help!

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