My name is Donna. I have two children, ages
11 and 16.
I was abused and neglected from when I was 2
years old until I turned 18. Although I received therapy in high school, no
one took me out of the house and I continued to suffer abuse. By the time I
was 18, I was anxious to do whatever I could to get out of that household. I
got married and had my first child when I was 19.
I was a stay at home mom for ten years. I
lived a typical middle class life. But then, things began to unravel. My
marriage fell apart and I had no idea how I would support my two children
and myself. Although I had worked during high school, I had not worked since
getting married. Although I was uncomfortable with the idea of signing up
for welfare, my therapist finally suggested that I apply.
When I signed up for TANF, I knew that I
needed more education if I was going to be able to support my family. I
tried to go to college but had to drop out when my past caught up to me. I
was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the childhood abuse.
I wasn't able to function, I cried uncontrollably, and I was not able to
think clearly. I couldn't work, or go to school, and I had difficulty
parenting.
Encouraged by my TANF caseworker, I enrolled
in an intensive therapy program. I was involved in classes or treatment for
3 hours every day for a year and a half. My therapist also prescribed
medication for me. That therapy was a real lifesaver for my kids and me. My
caseworker was incredibly wonderful and supportive, and let me count my
therapy as my ASPIRE participation during that period. I don't know how it
could have worked if she didn't.
Although I still go to therapy, I have
overcome a lot. I am now in the Parents as Scholars program, going to school
to become a therapist myself. Although I still have to take a little less
than a full load, I am doing all that I can. I would increase the chance
that my symptoms would appear if I felt that I was underneath more stress.
Without the help I received in that intensive
therapy, I wouldn't have been able to go to school and move toward a future
for me and my kids that does not include poverty. If I hadn't been given the
time to get the help I needed, I don't know where I would be now, but I am
sure that it would not be where I am today. I know that there are other
families like mine - I hope that by telling my story it will help them get
the help they need.
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