Jeremy’s Story — Reaching recovery & rebuilding relationships

“I feel like I’ve hit ground level, and dug myself out of a hole,” shares Jeremy, who recently graduated from Avivo’s recovery programs. “Now it’s rebuilding — rebuilding my relationship with my daughters.”

Jeremy lost custody of her two daughters in 2016. She adds, “I had a successful business, a beautiful home, and a happy family. Because of trauma, I found my way back into addiction and my life fell apart… I lost everything. Eventually I ended up on the streets in 2018.”

“I had a successful business, a beautiful home, and a happy family. Because of trauma, I found my way back into addiction and my life fell apart… I lost everything. Eventually I ended up on the streets in 2018.”

When confronted with time at Minnesota Correctional Facility — Shakopee, Jeremy decided to serve her sentence and use opportunities there to better her life. She went to college, tutored fellow inmates, and worked with administration on policy change.

Soon Jeremy found out about Avivo and met Avivo case manager Teresa Lewis: “Women I knew recommended Teresa’s level of compassion and understanding,” says Jeremy. “I was struggling to find the safe thing to do next. Teresa had the ability to talk to me and reassure me that whatever resource I was lacking, Avivo would provide or help point me toward.”

“I got so much kindness and compassion from the staff and got close to the people working [at Avivo],” she shares. “I loved that they had a gym membership too… Exercise and yoga help with my anxiety and depression and mental health issues, and Avivo understands that’s part of the whole process.”

“I got so much kindness and compassion from the staff and got close to the people working [at Avivo].”

While at Avivo, Jeremy also participated in advocacy days at the Minnesota State Capitol to help those in situations similar to her own.

“I loved the political advocacy work I got to be a part of — going to the Minnesota State Capitol for Homeless Day on the Hill and Second Chance Day on the Hill,” she shares.

Jeremy believes Avivo is unique. “I went to four treatment centers before my incarceration. Whenever there was a roadblock, [Avivo] helped me navigate it… If my counselor didn’t know the answer, they would work as a team to find the answer. It’s different than any of the other treatment centers.”

Since graduating from treatment, Jeremy has found a job and housing. Her next step is to re-establish and grow a relationship with her daughters. “When I look to the future, I look forward to having my children in my life again.”