So much has changed in the few months since Chandra first came to Recovery Café Longmont. Since joining our community, she has become substance-free, secured stable housing, landed her first real job, and gotten on track to graduate from an online school next summer with an associate’s degree as a medical administrative assistant. Her dream is to become a paramedic.
“I feel like a flower that has blossomed for the first time.”
Chandra was born with a defect that caused her brain to develop outside of her skull. She experienced trauma from five neuro-cranial surgeries required to keep her alive, and from the schoolyard bullies who teased her for looking different. The bullying hasn’t stopped, but she is now better equipped to handle it.
“You have helped me to grow out of my shell. My confidence is boosted. I can talk and not shut down. It’s interesting to know the inner part of me that I never knew before. I’ve never smiled as much as I do here.”
A toxic romance led her down a path of poor decisions at the age of 18. She became homeless and used drugs to cope. In addition to these traumatic events, her lifestyle increased her vulnerability, and she has been sexually assaulted eight separate times.
“When I chose to make the people at Recovery Café my family, I was able to really heal. I smile more since becoming a Member. It’s a safe and inspiring place to go during the day, and it’s how I keep moving forward.”
Chandra embodies and champions our mission to be a community of healing and refuge. As a Member, she has found a place of belonging. She is safe, sober, supported and loved.
