THE RENAISSANCE COLLABORATIVE, INC.
Education and Employment
Meet Marie Leaks
I was born and raised in a dysfunctional family. I was introduced to marijuana at an early age, and as I got older, I started using cocaine. It became a habit, but after a few years, I decided that I needed to stop. But, when I was 32, I got into selling and doing opiates (heroin). Once again, it became a habit, and I began to go in and out of jail. I lost my apartment and became homeless. My life had fallen apart, and I knew I needed to change my lifestyle to get out of the situation I was in. With TRC’s help, I’m not a recovering addict taking it one second, one minute, one hour and one day at a time. It has not been easy but I’ve accomplished 3 years and 6 months of sobriety. I take part in many of TRC’s programs, and I’ve gone back to school, gotten my high school diploma, participate in several job training programs, and now I have a part-time job in the field I am interested in. My goal is to become an administrative assistant. I am a recovering addict from alcohol and drugs. Some years ago, there would be no way that I would admit to being an addict. Through God’s Grace and Mercy, my Pastor, and Alcohol Anonymous, I was able to do just that. It is my hope that anyone reading this that has gone down that dark path will see the light at the end. As I sought treatment for my disease, I learned about the consequences of addiction. It was a rough journey, but not as rough as the plights I encountered during my addiction. I went through several rehabilitation centers. When my four months were up, I was not totally convinced that I had this thing licked. I extended my treatment for another 6 months at another facility. Still, there was this little voice that spoke inside of me and said “not yet”. So I went on for almost another year to a more independent way of living still structured around recovery. Please note that recovery is a lifelong process. When I heard about the Renaissance Collaborative and the support services they offered, I knew instinctively that this was the place for me. The Renaissance offered me independence, peace of mind, and support. It wasn’t that easy getting in. Like anything else, there was a process. All I can say is that perseverance paid off. Residing at the Renaissance Apartments and utilizing their services helped me a great deal. I am currently a Desk Clerk at the Renaissance Collaborative which enables me to be financially responsible. Certain staff members were very instrumental in helping me attain membership at the YMCA which enables me to keep physically fit; Health and Wellness to help me maintain my physical and mental needs; Life Skills to help me realize my dream and motivate me to go after it; the Education/Employment dept., and the CEO who works hard to make sure dreams come true. Let me sum it all up for you. I am currently employed. I am a full time student working towards my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. I have been on the Deans’ list for every term that I’ve been enrolled. My health is better than it has ever been. The opportunity for me to regain my youthful figure (smile) is literally right around the corner. The information I need is at hand to live life better than ever through proper nutrition. Relapse Prevention and Life Skills groups are part of the services offered at the Renaissance Apartments to help keep you on your toes. When you ask God to guide your steps and lead you in the right direction, he does just that. It’s up to you to take the first steps and follow the path to success. Special Thanks to everyone involved in helping my life become more successful. You know who you are!!
Meet Dorothy Gregory
I’d first like to give all praise, honor, and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If it had not been for the Lord on my side, I could not be able to witness his Grace and Mercy through my life story.