The Circles USA model supports people’s efforts to deepen and expand what they think is possible: for themselves, their families, and their communities. As Circle Leaders reach milestones in their journeys toward financial stability, we document their achievements as Lives Transformed stories to highlight joy and hope as valuable tools in combating poverty.
This year’s Lives Transformed awardees were nominated from among thousands of exceptional Circle Leaders nationwide. Though their backgrounds and experiences vary, each exemplifies Circles USA’s core values of perseverance, initiative, and service to their chapters and communities. Congratulations to our 2024 Lives Transformed cohort!
My mom was a young mom. She had me at 15, so we kind of grew up like sisters. My grandmother basically raised me until she passed away. There were no messages about money: We didn't have a budget, I didn't get an allowance. I was too young to understand paying bills. I really didn't receive messages of financial stability, budgeting or saving.
Following a period of active drug addiction during which I had lost everything, I had been referred to Fort Wayne through a therapist assigned to me by DCS. I was reluctant to go, I’d never been there and didn’t know anybody. I came to Fort Wayne just wanting to rebuild my life from the bottom up. Prior to my active addiction, I was in college—just two semesters away from [earning] my bachelor's in social work. So, I'm very familiar with seeking out resources. Due to my run-in with addiction, I had lost my drive to succeed in school, be a parent, work and fulfill any dreams I had. After a while, I knew something had to change.
I started off in a rehabilitation program and then a shelter for a long while. There were a lot of challenges there: trying to keep a cool head when things got tough, staying ahead of the game when things were not looking good and staying focused on my goals, all while living in a community of struggling women just like myself. Not having a car was definitely a big part of the struggle. Being in a city where I didn't know anyone and didn't know how to move around was a challenge. At that point, I found out about Circles and thought, Hey, this would be something interesting to do. Something to keep me busy, distracted, something positive. So I gave it a shot, one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far.
My life didn’t transform immediately. I finally got an apartment only to be forced to live in unsafe conditions. After a year of that, I went through about three weeks of homelessness because my new apartment had not been completely approved.
I became discouraged a lot along that journey. There were times when I didn't want to go [to Circles meetings] because I felt defeated in life. Like everything was not working, or not going the way that I thought it should go as fast as I’d have it. There were times where I had no one to call. Sometimes, I’d attend Circles and be spaced out, worrying about everything else that's going on. I got refocused because there is so much valuable information in those workshops. Each time I went, it was like, I can't wait to go back. Every now and then, I’d have one of those [bad] weeks and be like, I ain't going! But I had Jackie, my Ally, to come and get me. I would have people call and ask, “Hey, are you coming to Circles this week?” And I'm like, “I hadn't planned on it, but since you called, yeah, I guess so.” I got past those things [by] maintaining a relationship with my God and with Jackie, [who] was definitely all ears as needed…very supportive and understanding. Another thing that I lean on when I'm going through tough times is my NA community. I am a member of the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous and I use my support systems.
I looked at this open door of opportunity and asked: what's the worst that could happen? Besides, my parents taught me that once I start something, I'm obligated to see it through. My parents encouraged me to go to college, really I didn't have a choice, “You're gonna do this and graduate,” my mom would say. “You take the body, the mind will follow,” was one of my dad’s favorite quotes. If I showed up, whether I wanted to or not, I did my part, and I believed that God would carry me through the rest, so I went and here I am!
Right now I’m working on becoming a licensed practitioner in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling. I will graduate in May 2025 with my second degree. After that, I will be working on a business degree because I want to have the ability to make educated decisions in this world of business. Then, I want to open up a business— like a resource center where people can come and get information, get referrals to [fulfill] certain needs, whether it be furniture, clothing, food, bus passes, or jobs. Like a community center open to all, but especially men and women in recovery. Eventually, I'll go back and finish that bachelor's, since I'm so close to it. I just financed a car with full coverage insurance, which is the first big adult decision that I've made (aside from stepping into recovery!). In less than 72 months, I’ll have this car paid off and improved my credit. I also plan on saving at least $6,000 and continuing to work [towards] home ownership. Those are my goals for 2025. A lot going on there, but all feasible.
To someone who's doubting that they have the strength to succeed in Circles, I would say: simply [have] faith the size of a mustard seed. There's absolutely nothing bad that can come out of participating in this. It's all for self-empowerment. When we become better people, better women, it's easier to become a better mother, a better spouse, a better daughter, sister, and friend. So just get there, take the first step in the right direction. Even just by going there and being present, something's bound to stick.
And even if absolutely nothing happens, Mary Ann’s hugs will get you coming back. Mary Ann [Mings, Executive Director, Circles of Allen County] is an extraordinary type of woman; it’s her bubbly personality, how she's so encouraging. I could think of a time where I was like, “Oh, this isn't going right.” And her smile went away, she got into serious mode, she looked me dead in the eyes and said: “You got this. You can do this.” Then her smile came back and she gave me a big hug. I’m so grateful for her and my ally, Jackie. I’m grateful for my mother, who is also a 12-stepper. She has been supportive of me on this journey, very understanding and open. I want to acknowledge Ms. Janet, my DCS therapist. She was so persistent, so caring, understanding and patient with me, that even when I tried to run away and hopped on a train to Chicago, she called my mom, got the address, came from Michigan, picked me up from Chicago, drove me to Fort Wayne, and spent the night with me. I’m grateful for my NA family and, most importantly, my God. Without God, none of this would be possible. So I thank God for just loving me and putting people in my life to show me how to love myself again. Circles changed my life!
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