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Graduation

Tia overcomes destructive past, becomes ‘miracle’ at Shepherd’s Door

“In my family, I’m a miracle,” Tia told the crowd at Shepherd’s Door. “I knew I was going down the wrong path as my family’s history is filled with stories of death and destruction from drugs.

“There is only one person in my family who is not an alcoholic or an addict.”

Before coming to Shepherd’s Door, Tia found herself alone and completely isolated. She had just left an abusive relationship, she was homeless and her children had all been taken into foster care. She felt empty and turned to the only thing she knew to mask the deep hopelessness she felt: drugs.

IMG_9512“It was the darkest part of my life,” she admitted. “I was looking for love where there was none.”

But it wasn’t without hope.

“My creator brought me out of the darkness,” Tia said. “And I am eternally grateful for Shepherd’s Door, and the staff who showed me the way.”

Surrounded by her three daughters at Jubilee (graduation), Tia was finally able to do more than just celebrate a year clean and sober—something that seemed so impossible after witnessing it firsthand in her own life growing up—she was celebrating a life transformed. And for the first time ever, Tia knows, without a doubt, she’s “not too bad to love”

(SEE PHOTOS OF TIA FROM SHEPHERD’S DOOR JUBILEE)

PRIYA THAKKAR ON TIA’S RECOVERY JOURNEY OVER THE LAST YEAR:

You were already living at Shepherd’s Door when I met you, but your kids were still in foster care. You didn’t do that well living apart. The little ones missed you. Visits were really sad when you had to separate. As soon as the kids were settled down with you at Shepherd’s Door, everyone was able to sit down and take a deep breath. The kids seemed to be relieved that they now knew what was happening on a day-to-day basis, and all of them commented to me that their mom seemed so much happier. Still, Tia, you had a lot of work to do. You knew the biggest thing for you was you needing to create a new support system, and prioritize the kid’s needs. I have seen a tremendous amount of growth in you of these areas over the past year. You have cultivated a strong sense of community, a clean and sober support system, and you sought it out because you knew it was essential to your success. You have also become an incredible advocate for your children. You are present for all of their accomplishments, and you are a great role model for them. You taught them that change is possible, they are important, and family is their priority. I’m so proud of you, Tia, and I’m very thankful that Shepherd’s Door assisted you in helping make all of these changes.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE OVER THE LAST YEAR:

John 12:46 (NLT) – “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.”


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