The Next Door to me is a place of healing. I believe this is going to be the last setting like this that I'll ever have to be a resident of and hopefully it will be an experience I can use in the future to help other's like me.

This is a safe place for me. There is lot of help available here and I choose to utilize that help. I think Cindy's groups and her services are an asset. I am also grateful that this a Christian based program and for all the spiritual emphasis that is provided.

-- A chance to start my life new and fresh.

-- It has given me a safe and structured home to live in. It has helped me to gain employment. It has placed people in my life that are willing to help me in any way possible.

The Next Door means a brand new start for a better life to me. This program is truly a blessing to me and even though I have only been here for a few days, I know this program will work for anyone who chooses to let it. It has had a very positive effect on my life so far because of all the genuine care and concern from the staff here, as well as the awesome support from the community. It feels great to know that people who do not even know my name put forth such a tremendous effort to see me succeed in life, to give me opportunities to grow spiritually, emotionally and to be a great parent to my children. I would like to thank everyone who contributes to this program. May God bless you.

Living at The Next Door has been a very independent experience for me. I have just enough structure to add to my new foundation. having a job and the meetings we attend each night enable me to form good habits and a good sleeping schedule. Having freedom to leave the premises to go shop or just take a walk has helped to develop a sense of independence.

It feels great to do normal things and to be trusted. To feel trusted is very important to me. As long as I can prove to myself and to God that I can be trusted, then other people will grow to trust me also.

I also love to celebrate with others who have been able to reach some of their goals. it's exciting watching other women grow.

I'm currently a resident at The Next Door. I entered into the program on September 8, 2004. When I first started working the program I have to admit that I was afraid of not being able to complete it with success. I had just gotten out of the Tennessee Prison for Women, and had a major surgery right at the time of my release. So there was plenty of doubt within me.

When I arrived here at The Next Door, I was greeted by a host of wonderful people and I could feel the love all around me even though I was in fear and doubt. After being here right at a week, I started to feel more comfortable and at ease within myself, and Linda Leathers was a great encourager. So, I started being more motivated about what I wanted out of this program. I knew right away that I wanted to continue to be clean and sober and I wanted to be successful so that I could give back what had been given to me.

After being here for about 60 days I really started asking God what was my purpose for the future He had planned for me. Because I was really getting involved in our groups and was seeing a lot of growth within. I'm going on my 6th month and my goals are to continue to stay in the will of God, to continue to cast the cares of my life and sobriety over to Him, to educate myself more, to better my career through my education, to continue to be more responsible and honest, and to someday have a ministry that will help women to understand that they can make it by just letting go and letting God be the pilot of our lives. And last but not least, to continue to fellowship with positive people and to keep earning trust with my family and loved ones. Because today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.