In 2003 I entered a program for battered and abused women and children. Not only had I been abused both physically and mentally, I had gotten involved with drugs and alcohol. The past five years have not been easy ones for me. I lost my home, my family, my daughter and other things. After completeing the program in 2004, I decided to stay at the ministry as a staff member to help other women and children who were in the same situation that I had just come out of. I was not a paid staff member, however, I did live on the property and all of my needs were taken care of. After working there for four years I have left the ministry and am beginning my life over. I have just moved back in with my parents, and am currently looking for work. Hopefully I will find something soon, and will be back on my own again. As for my daughter, she lives in Nashville with her father. I haven't seen her in five years, but hope to soon. We talk on the phone a lot, and are working on restoring our relationship. I guess the whole reason that I'm writing this is to let other people in that situation know that there is help out there. Don't be too afraid of what might happen. If you need help, seek it out.