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Celeste learned about Interlace while staying, with her son Omar, at Sojourner House - the women’s transitional home run by Hospitality House. She had left an abusive relationship 6 months prior to entering the
Interlace program and was excited about this opportunity. “I couldn’t believe that there was a program that would help you to save money AND help you to find a place to live. I met some women who had been in the
program and seen where they lived they were really nice places so I knew I could trust them.
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When asked what changed for her during her time in the program Celeste had this to say: “I had really low self esteem because of the abuse and my addiction. It helped me when I realized that I wasn’t
alone, all of these women had the same kinds of stories we all understood each other, we weren’t isolated anymore. It sounds really simple but it helped me move on.
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Celeste graduated from the Interlace program a year ago. She and her son are living in Charlotte where she has found employment as a substance abuse counselor. When asked what she is most proud of having accomplished
since being in Interlace Celeste had a lot to say: “I’m proud that I’m living clean and sober. I understand how to cope better with the bumps life dishes out. I got my driver’s license while I was in Interlace, at
the age of 37. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to me. I used to feel so trapped when, after a beating, my abuser would get in the car and leave and I wouldn’t have a way to get out. Oh, and another big
one was learning more about money management. I feel confident about my money and I know that this is part of why I used to stay before - I was afraid I couldn’t make it on my own. Now I know I can and I don’t need
a man to survive. People don’t always understand, they think you stay because you want that life, but it’s because of fear. Fear of the unknown becomes so powerful it grows inside you.
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