My name is Karlie Leigh and my first encounter with drugs was in the third grade. From then on, I spent most of my school years abusing drugs and binge drinking. While still in school, I had three children and also managed to graduate high school on time.
In 2005 I was in a terrible car accident and suffered immense memory loss, but never forgot I was a drug addict. In 2009 I was arrested and sentenced to three years. While on parole, I again went back to using. On January 28th 2016 I was arrested again for assault. I sat in DCC for 5 months. I was facing a lot of time and would have been losing my son Easton forever. A week before sentencing, I hit my knees and asked God to please help me. Sitting in the court room, the judge dismissed the charges. I knew I was given a second chance. I knew this was all an answer to my prayer.
I called the Lydia House and was able to get a bed right away. Joining the New Life Recovery Program not only saved my life, but taught me to grow within myself. I’ve learned that instead of trying to forget I have an addiction, I can gain tools to stay sober.
Having my Christian faith I have found a church home, am with a good Christian family, and have been baptized. I am one year clean and have baby Easton in my life. I am very grateful to the Open Door Mission for all of these things.
The bible verse that I’ve taken from DCC to today is Isaiah 54:17 “No weapons formed against me shall prosper, every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. I will always remember the experience I’ve had here at Open Door Mission.
Karlie Leigh
New Life Recovery Program Graduate