Lisa’s journey has been one marked by profound challenges and heartbreaking loss. Both of her parents struggled with a substance use disorder, marring Lisa’s early years by trauma and uncertainty. Raised in an environment of neglect and instability, Lisa’s parents were eventually unable to care for both her and her brother, and they were split up and sent to live with their grandparents.
Lisa’s mother passed away from complications of alcoholism when she was 11. Her father passed away when she was 18.
Despite the odds stacked against her, Lisa ended up successfully graduating from Penn State. Because of her parents’ history, Lisa was careful to keep drugs out of her life. She eventually became a mother and found solace in raising her own children. They gave her reason to persevere.
Then, darkness came into Lisa’s life again after she severely injured her knees. She underwent knee replacement surgery and was prescribed Percocet to dull the pain of recovery. Before she knew it, she was taking twenty 80g Oxycotin, which eventually led to heroin. The life she had so carefully tried to avoid had found her and taken control.
After becoming addicted, Lisa was in and out of rehab, struggling to keep her life afloat. During this downward spiral, tragedy struck.
One day while she was at work, the babysitter watching her 3-year-old son became distracted and her child drowned.
The pain of that loss threatened to consume Lisa entirely, plunging her deeper into the grips of addiction and despair.
In the depths of her anguish, Lisa cried out for help. It was a desperate plea to a higher power, a plea that would ultimately lead her to Teen Challenge. Though initially resistant, Lisa found herself embraced by the warmth and compassion of the community at Teen Challenge. It was there, under the guidance of mentors, that Lisa embarked on her long and difficult journey of healing and transformation.
Imagine facing the grueling challenges of detoxification and rehabilitation, while simultaneously grappling with the overwhelming grief of losing a child. Somehow, through it all, she found strength in her faith and the unwavering support of those around her.
Teen Challenge became more than just a rehabilitation center for Lisa; it became a sanctuary of healing and hope. Within our walls, she discovered the resilience within herself to confront her demons and emerge stronger than ever before. Through tireless dedication and unwavering determination, Lisa overcame addiction and reclaimed her life with a newfound sense of purpose and resolve.
Today, Lisa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who know her. As a testament to her remarkable journey, she now serves as a staff member at Teen Challenge, extending the same compassion and support that once helped her find her way through terrible darkness. Through her work, Lisa continues to touch the lives of countless others, offering hope and healing to those in need.
As we prepare to honor the mother figures in our own lives, I am delighted to share that the construction of our new housing facilities for female students at our main campus has been completed!
But as you read about this achievement, know that many of the women who turn to us for help don’t have the insurance or resources needed to take advantage of our women’s program. That’s why your support of our scholarship fund is so vital.
