GRADUATE UPDATE: Growing Forward

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A full-time student now, Carla is moving full speed ahead with her plans to become a Chemical Dependency Counselor.

As Carla prepared to graduate from the New Life Recovery Program, her caseworker and counselors armed her with a few tips on how to stay on track. Basically, she says she learned to “Keep myself busy with Godly things, so I don’t fall back on old behaviors.” Busy is the right word to describe Carla’s life since you last read about her in the December 2009 issue of The Open Door. Read Carla's previous story »

After graduation, Carla and her son, Marshall, moved to temporary housing until the new Permanent Supportive Housing facility opens this winter. In Carla’s new home she has room to pursue her plan to become a Chemical Dependency Counselor. Today, she’s a full-time student at Metro Community College, working on her Associate Degree. After that, she plans to transfer to Bellevue University to complete her B.A. “God has shown me my purpose,” she says confidently. “And that’s a great feeling!”

School is just one of many meaningful pursuits that keep Carla busy these days. She continues to attend AA meetings on a regular basis, is actively involved in her church, and volunteers at the Mission. Oh, yes! She’s also a single mom to Marshall, who is currently having a great time attending Bible Day Camp.

Carla and Marshall can remain in Permanent Supportive Housing as long as they need to. But Carla is excited about a homeowner’s program that’s being developed. “That’s on the horizon,” she says enthusiastically. “I never thought I could be a homeowner, but I can!” In fact, 26% of ODM graduates return to complete their education like Carla. The Mustard Seed Scholarship program provides tuition assistance through the generosity of people just like you.