I am 29 and a single mother who made every wrong decision there was to make!  After addiction (pills) and surviving domestic violence from the man whom I once wanted to spend the rest of my life with.  I'm now 7 years safe from him and sober almost 4 years.  Once I wasn't proud of either until I realized how many other people have also survived.  I refused to let myself die at the hands of either. I have always been the creative soul and wanted to do something with web design. I never have taken the time to learn more than a few things here and there.  I WILL go to school and earn a degree.  My goal is to get a degree in web design and business management. 

ONE DAY I WILL open up a non profit for women who have been through similar struggles as I have been through. My idea is that it would be a chain of women paying it forward.  So many people want a hand out and not a hand up in society, in turn women run back to the only life they know which is drugs/DV after they have no idea how to live a normal productive life.  I think it would be rewarding in so many ways to have something that offers support both emotionally and financially to help them become strong independent and most importantly free of the daily fear and loneliness that comes along with abusive relationships.Giving a woman the confidence they need to overcome such strife is extremely important.  You are shredded apart into nothing as an abuse victim.  When you leave it's like your world has crashed in.  Confidence and security are something that MUST be rebuilt after finding your way out for either. I like to think of it as a a chain of hope if you will.  Women helping women to move throughout a semi structured program of levels.  The end result being freedom and independence
.

1.   Woman still stuck in the abuse/addiction would be mentored and supported by those who have already broken free of it and are actively seeking recovery on a regular basis. 
2. The women safe & actively in recovery but not quite confident enough to take on the world of independence  would then be mentored by those who have achieved a comfortable amount of time sober without so much daily fear of falling back in.
3.  The next level would be woman who have been actively involved with the program for a significant amount of time who are financially independent, emotionally independent, and confident with a proven track record of staying drug free and safe.  They would be leading a healthy lifestyle and looked at by others as mentors or role models of the program or community of woman.
4. The last level could be woman who specialize in different areas ranging from the addiction recovery, social work to job training, public resources or even a entrepreneur who could help the women achieve success financially.  It could be advocates on the topics surrounding addiction and DV.  There are so many ways you could run with this and so many different ways woman could help other women achieve success.

 
As a recovering addict and former abuse victim myself I understand how hard it is to seek help when you can't even leave the house without being harassed or beaten.  With the advances in technology there are so many ways that people can anonymously find help and support.  At the very least, I think it would be great to offer a sounding bored and virtual home for those who can't put themselves in the position to be physically harmed or unable to  imagine a better life due to no money, lack of family support or friends etc.  This is all just a brainstorm and may be an idea that is impossible to transform into reality or just plain wishful thinking. Who knows! I will however achieve one thing and that will be a site aiming to help those who can't find the resources to break free otherwise.
     

Wow thank you so much for such kind words.  I'm sorry I am just responding but I've been working very hard on getting my support site up and running.  If you need a shoulder or someone to vent to I'm here.  I've been through a lot and just when you feel like you can't take anymore you push yourself a little harder.  You WILL MAKE IT!  I know you will and if I can have faith in you then you certainly should have faith in yourself.  Please let me know how things are going for you.  Also, check out www.ecigchic.com if you get a chance.  It's my own personal site I've put together which is sort of a support place for anyone in difficult times.  It's almost done so please bare with the construction.  Please pass the site on to your family and friends as I really want to make it a place for women to just be themselves without judgement or negitivity.

Thanks,
Christina

You are amazing and I'd love to chat sometime if you ever find the time with everything going on.  I'm on a similar mission.  If I had a car right now I'd be doing a lot more than sitting online thats for sure.  So many woman are stuck and without the means to get out of a rut there is not a lot of hope.  Thankfully I've been able to pick myself up from addiction and domestic violence so not having a car, I can deal with lol. Please read my page because I have also shared my dream of opening a non profit and would love to chat about it!!  I'm just finished with Rich Dad Poor Dad which has taught me a lot.  If you haven't read it please do.  I'm taking what I learned and getting creative online because I just feel the right opportunity is out there, I just have to find it!!!

GOD BLESS!

Good Morning!! I'm starting my day with a cup of coffee and working on my blog!  I hope to put it up sometime this week.  There are a lot of options for people in rough situations just open your eyes and get creative. Wish I had a magic answer but I'm still searching myself.  Take a deap breath and close your eyes.  Sometimes we get our brains on overload and need a moment to think. With technology today, there is alot of opportunites and I'll be posting good ones if I ever find them.  GODBLESS!

somehow, I'm not surprised!

I couldn't agree with you more.  Let's get together and flood the White House with Aidpage links hahahah!! totally kidding, or am I?

Keep your head up girl! I'm a single mother of 2 girls and survivor of domestic violence and addiction.  I'm 7 years safe and 4 years sober.  I have family but since my familly believes I burned my bridges and do not deserve any more chances I am moving on without them.  I have no friends and life has been rough to say the least.  I have my kids though and so do you!! You are a woman and have the power to pick yourself up and be stronger than EVER!  If you ever need a shoulder to lean of (virtual haha) please I'm only a message away.  There is nothing that will shock me or make me judge you because chances are I've already seen it or done it.  Please for yourself and your children call and find a church and if you can't get to the church for whatever reason ask them if they have transportation help.  Don't stop at the first no you hear, keep going until the right church comes along and before you know it you'll have many many people not only giving you the love you need but opening doors you never knew existed.  God Bless!

Hiya!!  You're such an inspiration and I personally want to thank you for your links on so many different topics.  I don't know where to begin lol!!  Anyway's I wanted to drop a line and let you know I"m snooping around your page and will be for quite a while I think!!  If you ever have a few moments to chat with me I'd be honored!!  Thanks again!

Christina

Just wanted to say HELLO!  I haven't been online in a while and didn't want anyone to think I had vanished!~ I'm still here and slowely but surely helping myself to do what it is I have to do to get my life on track!  It feels so good to finally be doing more to help myself instead of waiting for my magical savior to come and rescue me LOL! Sometimes we get stuck looking for the help we need when we should be looking to help ourselves.  Dont get me wrong, there is times I want to throw the towel in and say enough is enough!! In the end I know that all this hard work and aggrivation will pay off.  At least I hope soo :)  Sobriety is the life and being free of domestic violence is rewarding me in so many ways each day.  I have a lot of stress and anxiety but I'm learning to see the big picture and thats so helpful :)

Thought Id stop by and say hi to everyone and offer my virtual ear!  There isnt much you can say or do that would surprise me.  While I cant offer financial help I can offer some kind words and some great advice for those contemplating sobriety or suffering from domestic violence.  I have been sober 3 years and free of my abuser for 7.  IF I DID IT ANYONE CAN! Holding the pain in will do nothing but cause you stress you dont need.  Anyways stop by my page and read my story.  I just hope it can help someone realize it is possible to break the cycle!!!

Wow, thank you so much for this.  I think it should win some kind of award!!  At least be focused in a health blog.  Im not beiing sarcastic.  I felt like you are speaking to me.  I am 29 and everyday since I was 15 has been a roller coaster of pain, anxiety and at 29 Im realizing that I missed every chance others have to enjoy their youth, or live the college life because my life was always focused on what I could do to make myself feel better.  For years I popped vicodin then it went to percocet and thank GOD I caught myself once I became imune to them.  I now am 3 years sober and I wish my family could understand that I am not mental or crazy as they used to hint at and now as time has progressed they seem to be as bruatal as ever reminding me each day of my failures and telling me Ill never change.  Little do they know the changes Ive made for the condition I have is virtually impossible for alot of people and the fact that Ive done it alone with no supportive shoulders or loving family makes it even more of a miracle.  I refuse to go back.  Ive used it as motivation.  They have the problem not me.  I feel as though ive become some sort of non human being to them.  Like I dont exist and dont have feelings.  When I comment on anything they just act as though my thoughts are less than intelligent and thus dont deserve a response.  If they do respond its usually telling me to stop talking so loud or asking me if I have to make everything about me.  ANYWAYS.  I guess my ranting point is that I read this and it just made me feel as though for the first time in my entire life there was one person who got me.  For that I THANK YOU because I thought I was alone.  I am what I like to think pretty, intelligent, friendly, spontanious chick who feels like something has taken my life from me.  I no longer can pop some percocet to socialize which has made me a prisoner in my own home NO WAIT my parents home.... I have to find the strength to overcome this because Im certainly not helping my physical or emotional pain staying here.  You have inspired me to do some research into my symptoms.  I always just knew I had a chronic condition simply because my DR told me so... now Im going to read up so I can not only tell myself what i have to do to change it but help others whos loved ones dont quite get it.  I might not have the ability to save my parents love for me but maybe I can help someone else from losing their family like Ive lost mine.  Thank you ... you are so on the money with this one!! 

I would just like to offer a shoulder (virtual shoulder that is) to anyone facing the struggles of addiction or domestic violence.  All to often we are focused on our own needs so much that we forget there are others out there that might be able to benefit off of our own knowledge. While I havent found a way to get out from under my current struggle I have found a way to help others on here feel like they arent so alone.  I have been blessed to give others some advice on problems I too faced and overcame.  I am a woman who has been there done that..... By that I mean there is nothing that you can tell me that I would pass judgement on b  I am ecause chances are Ive been in your shoes. I am a SURVIVOR.  I have been free of my abuser for 7 years and addiction for 3 years.  If I could do it ANYONE CAN. I also quit smoking 3 months ago and let me tell you it was the easiest thing I ever did.  YES, I did it all thanks to the e-cigarette and if you haven't heard of one then I suggest you google it or message me and Ill send you some links.  I would put them up here but I dont want anyone to think Im trying to promote anything.

  So with that being said this site has given me alot more than I expected. When you know you have made an impact on someone who is as down and out as you are it will make you feel like you are making a difference.  There are so many people on here who give a HUGE amount of their life and time up to help others with advice.  DONT BLOW IT OFF.  You might have to do a little work to get out of your situation.  Trust me I know, I've been pounding away at my keyboard the last 2 weeks.  God doesnt give you more than you can handle.  Check out the pages of the people on here that are under that little box tot he right saying they are the most active.  Alot of them have some websites that you WILL FIND useful if you open your mind and decide to take action.  I really hope this comes across as constructive advice and not criticism. Stress and depression suck and when you mix a personal crisis in the mix it can really sink you to a level that makes it feel as though simple things have now become a chore.  I just believe in baby steps... REMEMBER: taking baby steps will LEAD TO HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.  If you dont believe me just read my story. I might have hit a roadblock but I will too come out of this and continue my journey toward my goal as you will also make it through this.  I love the saying PAY IT FORWARD.  If we all practiced that it would be a great start for all of us....... 

Im in the same boat as you and its funny because I came for help and now find myself pretty much venting and helping others after just one day of using this site. I have found a lot of resources like nonprofitweb.com.  Check it out!  If you need to vent to someone or just a ear to listen hit me up and Ill do my best to help you out!! 

I am so sorry to hear your pain.  I am honestly choked up because I too am in no win situation or at least it feels that way.  While I cant offer financial help I can give you a few possible leads and a place to vent when you feel alone.  

I too had teeth trouble a few years back and found a company called care credit which I send 10 a month to pay off my charges.  There are MANY dentists who accept this and they even provide you with names.  i know this might be difficult for some with less than decent credit like I had but if you know of anyone who might help co sign its a real possiblity.  You might also contact care credit directly and share your story.  If this doesnt work try contacting your local dentists or oral surgeons because there has got to be someone out there that will help you.  

A word of advice... while you feel desperate and frustrated at everyone you might want to save that for people who are closest to you.  I mean you dont want to bite the hand that feeds ya if you know what I mean.  Dont ruin a good chance by sounding like you are owed this.  I know too well how frustrating it is to not be able to find the help you need in crisis but you have to take a step back and think about how your plee will come across to the others who might have been willing to help had you not sounded so bitter and resentful.....

just my opinion.... good luck and GOD BLESS.

 what a great idea! THANK YOU!

YOU ROCK! THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO! ITS ALREADY GOT ME ON MY PATH TO INDEPENDENCE!

HAHAH HILARIOUS! Thanks for making me laugh so hard!! I sure needed a laugh right about now.... I also loved your redneck rake aka hot dog cooker!! Us rednecks gotta stick together yaknow!!

Gina, first let me say how much I admire you for making a difference and donating your time to women in need.  I to have overcome some amazing hurdles like addiction (3 years sober) and domestic violence (7 years free )and many other obstacles. I am a single mother of 2 and while Im in what seems like a no end situation its people like you who give me hope.  I want to make a difference and like you I want to start a non profit organization one day for woman in similar situations who are stuck and have hit a roadblock.  I believe in a hand up not a hand out.  I just wish there was more hand ups out there for single woman like me to help us get on our feet after starting our lives over and making positive changes. I think to many times people hit a roadblock after sobriety and end up using again.  If there were only a way we could stop the cycle and help them become productive members of society who want to give back and help others thus creating a positive cycle rather than negative.  Id love your advice on how I can make this dream a reality on top of becoming a productive member of society myself.  Thanks so much for sharing your time with those in need :)

Thank you for this. I am 29 and have suffered from what the Doctors say is this.  It is so nice to see someone that actually believes it does exist.  I wonder if I will ever wake up and feel good and motivated to start a new day.  I get sick so easily and its a real downer on the self esteem.  After reading this Im going to do some more reading on the topic as Ive never really educated myself other than what my Dr. has told me.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I am a single mother and survivor of addiction (3 years sober) and domestic violence (7 years free of my abuser)  I originally came to aid page to ask for help but after reading how many people are worse off than I am Ive decided to use it as motivation to dig myself out of my crisis. I joined last night and already feel as though its helped give me motivation and a sense of accomplishment. I have never put my story into words and after I did I felt so free.  I just wanted to share with other single mothers my struggles and give them hope for a change. Sometimes in life we have to take responsibility for our own lives and fight for the life our children so deserve.  I wish I could offer more than just my advice but like I said I'm in a tough situation myself.  Please check out the post I just put up about my story and how I became sober and broke the cycle of domestic violence.  You can do it, you just have to believe in yourself.  By the way.... Im also open for any suggestions or advice you can help me with :)

GOD BLESS. 

Im so happy Ive found this wonderful place.  I feel so much better today than I did last night when I was posting my story.  I have so much to offer and refuse to let anything stand in my way.  While I might be physically stuck in a difficult situation, I know God has a plan for me as he does for each one of you.  Please keep your head up everyone and remember you can take BABY STEPS in life and it will result in HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS.  You will hit roadblocks and challenges.  Trust me I know them too well.  I might be stuck now but with the power of GOD Ill find a way out.  Im 3 years  sober, 7 year domestic violence survivor and my newest baby step I took was quitting smoking.  I cant believe how much better I feel. If anyone needs advice or has some advice for me please drop me a line.  If I can help just one woman avoid some of the pain Ive felt then my goal is accomplished.