16 Oct 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!