Maria came to The Haven’s residential program with her 3-year-old niece. She says that the first weeks were rough because she did not trust anybody and had issues listening especially to authority figures. During her stay, Maria learned to love herself. She also learned parenting skills and how to be a better caregiver for her niece.
After the program, Maria stayed in Tucson. She found an apartment and went to Pima Community College to get a certificate in social work. She even came back to The Haven for a social work internship.
Currently, Maria is living in Scottsdale and she’s helping to raise two nieces, two nephews, and a grandbaby. She calls the kids her superheroes and hopes to be an inspiration for them. Maria is planning to go back to college this fall to finish her degree and tells her nieces and nephews that you are never too old to get your education.
Maria has been sober for 9 years and is thankful for The Haven for the support she got. She encourages others with substance use disorders to come to The Haven with an open mind. She tells people not to hold barriers or judge people from their past. There will be obstacles, but you have to learn how to work through them and not to give up. Maria says that even if you relapse, do not beat yourself up. Just forgive yourself and start again.
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