Brenda’s Story
Brenda* found out she was HIV+ while pregnant. Caught in a cycle of substance abuse and domestic violence, Brenda knew she had to make a change. She got sober and found the strength to flee. “I had just 53 cents in my wallet when we snuck out of the house and a neighbor drove us to the police station. It was the scariest thing I have ever done.”
Brenda and her twelve year-old daughter stayed at three shelters until a restraining order was in effect. Once safe, they moved to Casa Madona – one of Alliance for Housing and Healing’s group homes. From there, they moved into an Alliance-subsidized one-bedroom apartment close to her daughter’s school.
Today, Brenda continues to meet regularly with an Alliance Social Worker. They talk about maintaining her sobriety, building up her health, and putting her and her daughter’s lives back into place.
Of the latter, she is confident. “We are a pair of tough broads,” Brenda says. The smile in her voice comes from the knowledge that her daughter is maturing into a strong, independent woman.
Mother’s Day is May 11th. Honor that special woman in your life – your mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, or friend – by giving a donation to Alliance for Housing and Healing in her name. She will receive a beautiful card that includes a message from you. Your Mother’s Day gift will help Alliance for Housing and Healing shelter and feed mothers and children living in poverty and struggling with HIV/AIDS.
