Chantell: the Choice to Change

“I was in the bottom of a tin can, and I couldn’t claw my way up. It was dark. It was dirty, and I didn’t feel any value. I felt unreachable.” - Chantell

Chantell grew up in chaos. Her parents were drug dealers and addicts. While they came and went from jail, she hopped between relatives.

“I felt very alone. I never felt loved. I never felt safe.” She ran away from home at 16, had her first child at 18 and immediately fell in love with the pain relievers prescribed after her delivery.

For the next 15 years, Chantell descended deeper and deeper into addiction.

“I wanted a better life, but I didn’t know where or how to start.” In time, Child Protective Services took away her three children, and Chantell hit a new level of despair. She went through 4 in-patient and 5 out-patient treatment programs, but nothing worked…until now.

“I’m in a loving, godly, safe home where I can heal and I can change. I want to be the best mom I can.” – Chantell

Since October of last year, Chantell and her two-year-old daughter, Adreana, have been living at the UGM Center for Women & Children. “When I came to the orientation, they talked about hope and healing and safety and love. They talked about God’s love. I’ve never been offered that before.

“Before, I didn’t care about anybody or anything other than myself and what I needed at the moment. Now, I am really doing the work, not leaving anything unturned. I am willing to go to any lengths to heal and to love others and to help people.”

Please pray: Chantell's recovery program was interrupted when she turned herself in for an outstanding warrant. She is currently serving a 3-month sentence but remains connected to the Center and plans to return to the program upon her release.

~ Barbara Comito, UGM staff writer

Update June 19,2014: Chantell did indeed return to the LIFE Recovery program after serving her time. In fact, she completed her business practicum with the Kootenai County Sheriff's office. She graduated on Tuesday night and has a job with the Coeur d'Alene Press. Way to finish strong, Chantell!

Would you like to know more about being a part of this ministry? Click on the link below to get your FREE ebook: Every Last Conceivable and Downright Inspiring Way We Could Think of to Help the Homeless with Union Gospel Mission.