"I was a single mother of 5, working as a Night Auditor at a hotel, in a studio apartment."

Nellie lived the life of addiction. When she was only 14, a friend introduced her to drugs. Some friend!

Through the rest of her teenage years, her occasional use turned into an addiction. Nellie eventually spiraled out of control, and found herself running the streets, in and out of hotels, and sleeping wherever she could find a place to stay.

Eventually, Nellie learned about Solutions for Change - a facility for homeless families with children.  The project, consisting of 32 residential units, was built by Sun Country and opened in 2004.

"I called Solutions for Change, and found out that they would only take someone that had completed a treatment program. So, I spent 11 months in a local treatment program and then was accepted into the Solutions for Change program."

"I was so impressed by the Solutions for Change program. It was so surreal, like a fairytale. I was finally in a place where I could actually work on me. I needed that. The staff here is always willing to listen and that makes a big difference."

Nellie isn't in contact with any old friends. "I've started a new life. I'm so focused right now on getting my other kids back with me, and be a mom. I was tired of running, I did it for ten years."

With involvement in Options for Recovery, NA, AA, and Mother & Me classes, Nellie is building a successful foundation for her family that will lead her on a path to success.

"My kids are happier kids now. They're free to be kids now. They're so much more outgoing and explorative. They feel safe, and that's good to see."

Nellie has continued to remain clean and sober for over 14 months.