Hope: Making Ripples

When Ripple of One approached me to tell my story, I was hesitant at first. I thought, “Why would anyone want to know my story?”. I gained the courage to tell my story knowing that even if it helped only one person, it would be worth it. My choice to apply for the Ripple of One Program has turned out to be one of the best choices I have made for myself and for my children!

I spent my early years in California being raised by a single mother. My Dad was in and out of prison due to his involvement with drugs. He tragically died at the hands of the mafia and because I come from a family of crime and drug addiction, my siblings and I became victims of physical abuse at a very young age. In fear that we would be taken by child services, my Mother moved us a lot until we ended up in South Carolina. However, moving to South Carolina still resulted in dealings with child services. I spent the latter part of my childhood in and out of the system and stayed with my Grandmother from time to time. Much of my youth was spent battling mental wars that resulted in cutting myself and a suicide attempt at age 14. I didn’t have examples of healthy relationships growing up and throughout my life. I unconsciously continued to seek out unhealthy relationships from the age of 13, I took care of my siblings. Due to the lack of support and constant abandonment by my Mother, I chose to emancipate myself at the age of 17.

From left to right:

Elijah, Penelope & Willow

When I was twenty-one I had custody of my niece then I took in my niece and nephew for a short time before they also went into the system themselves. I was still a child myself, but was responsible for someone else’s well-being. I had to work to support my family which was hard. I was desperate and eventually ended up selling myself for money. Anything to stay afloat. I knew that this was not the life that I wanted and had to get out of this vicious cycle. I made the decision to help others who had been in dangerous situations that were similar to my experiences. I volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem and eventually worked my way up to being hired full-time. However, during this time I was experiencing domestic abuse by my boyfriend and just when I thought it couldn’t get more complicated I became pregnant with triplets. I was pregnant with little support and it just seemed that my life would continue to go in this downward spiral. I was really in turmoil when the unexpected happened. I had a miscarriage. Unbeknownst to me and the doctors, I found out months later that I was still pregnant with the other two. I later would lose my son due to complications as well but my daughter survived. This was one of the most painful times in my life. I went on to have another daughter and not long after that I gained custody of my sister’s son due to her inability to take care of him because of her drug addiction. I had three children now and was out of options. As I was growing up I was given more examples of how to make the wrong choices more than I was taught how to make the right ones. Even then, I didn’t know how to be a good Mom but I knew what NOT to do. I was determined to give my kids a better life! My friend (who is a graduate of Ripple) suggested that I apply for the program. I was accepted into Ripple and I was assigned a team who coached me. My Ripple Team is phenomenal! I started college and am set to graduate next May with my bachelors in Criminal Justice. I’m working at the Ripple Resale Store while I’m going to school.

While my kids are my motivation, the Ripple program keeps me focused so that I can make sure I get where I need to be. I want others to know that it is okay to ask for help. I think it’s important for people to not judge others. No one should be ashamed for struggling. If you have the desire to change, it will open a door that will allow people in and you’ll gain a community who will wrap their arms around you and your family. The Ripple volunteers have been the most inspirational and loving people I have met. I desire to give my kids the support that I didn’t have growing up. Ripple has given me the push I need to make this happen. I’m excited about what my future holds and how I can help others from my lessons learned.

Thank you for making a ripple in my life!

Love Hope