I am a recovery addict, 29 Female. I have been at Angels since December 2018 and I will be celebrating my 1 year clean and sober landmark next week Saturday 28 September 2019. I have never been to any Rehab, this is my first time in secondary care and working a program. I cleaned up in the rooms and through Carmen and Bianca at Angels.

I picked up my first drug at the age of 16 when I dropped out of school got clean for a month or 4 and at the age of 21 my drug problem progressed after my parents got divorced. I moved around a lot, every where I went I picked up. Lost a few jobs cause of stealing money for drugs. The time I didn't have work I sold my body for drugs. By this time I was confused about myself and myself worth and had no voice, couldn't identify my emotions and unsure who I am so I tried to be a lesbian stayed with an abusive girl for 1 year and then moved out. Then I moved into a friends house that also used, ended up having a relationship with him and also abusing me. Got pregnant and end up having a abortion.

My drug abuse even more so bad that I tried to commit suicide more than once. After that I manage to stay clean for 3 years by the help of my High Power and a very good friend of mine.

I ended up relapsing last year 27 September 2018 because of old pattens and behaviour problems didn't have any hope left in my life.

When I got to Angels, Carmen and Bianca took me under their wings. With the help of them I learned the tools how to stay clean. I learned how to voice what I feel and to notice what I feel. I couldn't even make eye contact, today I can. The thing that I am most grateful for is they gave me my hope back to live and with the help of them and the people in the house I get to know myself and my self worth. And the fact that it is a ladies house, I really feel at all time safe.

Today I help other addicts to stay clean. Because I can only keep what I have by giving it away.

Fantastic work that is done here! Focussing not only on healing traumatic pasts but also looking towards active life plans for the future… such as goal setting, a holistic lifestyle and a toolbox of skills to deal with future life problems. Will recommend for all women who are at the end of their ropes.

Here are angels-in-the-flesh. I am astounded by the love, effort, time, energy, money, experience, humour, balance, integrity, vulnerability, openness, ethics, gratitude, modelling, compassion, humility, grace, dignity, support, patience, empowerment, understanding, intuition, ownership, honesty, spirituality, purpose, power and passion that this duet brings to their line of work. These women show up.

Thank you from the core of my being for helping me meet myself again. Thank you for keeping a seat for myself and other women at the table. Thank you to my higher power for bringing you two into my world. I love you both, dearly.

We thanks VTC Africa Foundation for their continuous support of Angels Reintegration Centre for Ladies! Without VTC our journey thus far would not have been possible.