Hello, My name is Katherine M. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and this is my story.

I thought there was no other way for me to stop using drugs and alcohol, until I went into Empire Recovery Center in Redding, Ca. I was tired of using. I was interested, desperate, and willing to stay and hear what suggestions they had to offer me, because my way brought me to zero. I lost everything; family, children, job, and I lost myself. I hated myself.

They told me they would help me get my life together. They offered me love, shelter, food, and most importantly, knowledge(facts) about myself.They had a schedule for my whole day. It was completely different from the schedule I had in my life. I had a person to talk to and listen to me without judging me or putting me down. They called her a counselor. She made me feel like I had a purpose in life, and when my 45 days were up, I didn't want to go. I was scared. I wanted to continue with living sober.

The Empire introduced me to my problem and a solution (God). I prayed a lot. I was also able to move forward in my recovery.

I wanted to come back to Los Angeles.

Remember, before entering Empire I was at zero. I had no money, but I did have a God now. I believe that God works through people. Empire donated me a ticket to Los Angeles and made phone calls to where the new recovery home I was going to would pick me up at the bus station.

My desperation grew stronger to stay sober. I was on my way to a better life with God. I was picked up by Victory Outreach. I just knew they would teach me all I needed to know about God. After being there a month I went to court to see where I stood at getting my daughter back. The courts told me I needed to go to a different program. I had known about the House of Uhuru, so after court I went to the House of Uhuru. They told mr there was an opening, and to come back the next day with my clothes. I went back to Victory Outreach and told them what had happened, and they told me I was going to be all right 'cause God is with me. The next day I went to Uhuru and was admitted right away. I was on my way, me and God.

The House of Uhuru had my whole day planned. They offered me the same thing that was offered to me at the Empire Recovery Center: a new way of living. Today I have 21 months clean. I have full custody of my daughter. I am attending school for massage therapy. I will graduate in June.