Nadia

“I want to get a degree that lets me help people who’ve gone through the same things I have,” said Nadia.*

Nadia has been coming to Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids (AWC) for four years through our Step Up Mentoring Program. She grew up in an unstable home where using drugs was normal, and addiction wasn’t a problem. Now married with three kids, a hospitalized sister, and a terminally ill mother, Nadia meets monthly with her mentor. Together, they talk about her life—past, present and future. Together, they set goals. “I’m watching her grow every month,” said Nadia’s mentor. “She is always excited to tell me what she’s been working on since our last session. She has the most positive attitude and soft heart—it inspires me.”

Nadia’s mentor encourages her in all aspects of her life including continuing education, taking time for herself, and even planning a date night with her husband. “We went out for dinner and a movie, something we haven’t done it a long time, and we had so much fun!” Nadia said. Nadia is currently attending community college to get a degree in substance abuse counseling. Her dream is to work with an organization that helps women, men and families who have grown up in a home with addiction and drugs.

During last month’s session, Nadia’s mentor told her “It’s awesome to see how far you have come!” Nadia responded, “I owe it all to God.”

*Name has been changed to protect client’s confidentiality.