Desha spent nearly six years without stable housing, often living out of her car while trying to support herself and stay connected to her children. At her sister’s urging, she reached out to Avivo, where she found safety, encouragement, and a community that helped her rebuild her confidence. With staff support, she began pursuing her longtime dream of becoming a paralegal and discovered that her past convictions wouldn’t prevent her from entering the field. Completing an employment program showed her she could overcome challenges she once avoided. Now preparing to move into her own apartment and reunite with her kids, Desha feels more positive, patient, and hopeful, recognizing her own strength and potential.

Megan, a mother of twins, is celebrating a year and a half of sobriety and her first successful semester of college as she works toward becoming a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Her path to recovery began after legal challenges and relapse, when she chose to enter detox and commit to lasting change. Realizing she needed a program that allowed her to stay with her children, she joined Avivo, one of Minnesota’s few treatment programs where mothers and kids can live together. With supportive staff and a stable environment, Megan rebuilt her life, eventually moving into her own apartment and continuing her education. She now feels her life is moving in a completely new, hopeful direction.