From Addiction to Recovery

Shirley Edwards volunteers to help other classmates. In her listening skill to other students she gives support, she has attended class regularly since she enrolled Her study skills plus participation in our group class shows her intense desire to learn. She was excused for several when her Mother was in the hospital and at her death.

 My student has overcome immense obstacles. She spent 3 ½ years in Perryville Prison after 12 years of using heroin, .alcohol, marijuana and crack .Her brother introduced her to drug use. She has freely shared with us her arrest, withdrawal, and prison  experiences. While in prison she attended a class, Women in Recovery and graduated. To restore her Catholic faith, she attended services, joined a Bible study group and made her first communion. She was given prison release one year before her sentencing of 4 ½ years. She is married one year now to the man who supported her through the prison years. Her goal is to have her GED and enter the work force in the medical field.

submitted by Jane Milburn