Karen's Story

I came to Crossroads for Women in June of 1997, straight from Estrella Jail.  Prior to being incarcerated I had been living on the streets because I had been asked to leave CASS Shelter.  They had a policy that they would not admit you unless you were sober and I was usually drunk or loaded.  Basically, I had lost everything, including my son, husband, family and friends.  All my enablers were finished with me and I was seriously considering a life of homelessness and crime.  I figured that I could handle the homeless circuit, summers in Denver and winters in Phoenix.  Basically I had given up and had no hope that I could live a sober, meaningful life.  When I got arrested I felt a great relief.  My time in jail gave me a chance to dry out and re-evaluate the direction my life was taking.  Today, I know that God did for me what I could not do for myself.

My probation officer required that I live at a halfway house and she strongly recommended that I make it Crossroads Midtown for Women.  When I walked through the doors of Midtown, I was scared to death and had little confidence in my ability to stay sober and out of trouble.  Fortunately, Crossroads required us to attend a 12-step meeting daily, get a sponsor and work the steps.  Another requirement was to work and pay my own rent.  I had not worked in years and remember being absolutely terrified about how I would present myself.  After all I was now a felon, with large gaps in my employment history. My sponsor told me to get a job that did not matter and would just pay the rent.  So that is what I did.  What is unbelievable, is that when I got that crappy job and started to become self-supporting my self-esteem and confidence returned.  It’s funny how taking the right action will do that for a person. Living at Crossroads helped me to lay a strong foundation for my sobriety that I carry with me today. 

After I had been at Midtown for a period of time I was asked to become the Resident Manager and work nights as well as reside at Crossroads.  During this time, I attended Phoenix College and obtained my Associates Degree.  Living at Crossroads gave me this opportunity.  It also enabled me to work on re-establishing relationships with my family and son.  I developed a strong support group and friendships that I still have today.

Eventually I moved from Crossroads, but have never severed my ties.  I have worked at the women’s facility in all the various positions.  Currently, I am the Program Coordinator and responsible for making sure the facility stays full and runs smoothly.    Personally, my son has returned to live with me and I have re-married.    My experience with the AA program and Crossroads has been one of great personal fulfillment as well as immense professional growth.  I believe strongly in Crossroads mission, and it is an honor and privilege for me to watch other women grow and achieve sobriety.  There is nothing better then watching a person go from complete despair to great joy.  I will be forever grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you,

Karen B.