Shari’s childhood was marked by chaos, addiction and abuse. Her mom called her a loser who
would never amount to anything – even admitting she wished Shari had never been born. The
emotional abuse from a young age took a toll on Shari, as did the sexual abuse she endured at the
hands of other family members.

But there was a fighting spirit inside Shari. She never stayed quiet about what she endured,
instead speaking up to tell anyone who would listen. She ran away from home at age 17,
determined to build a better life. Yet she lacked the emotional maturity she needed to succeed. It
wasn’t long before Shari found herself in an abusive relationship and pregnant.

“I didn’t feel like I could raise a child, so I gave up custody of him. That decision changed my
life forever.”

As the trauma of her past and the sorrow of giving up her child collided, Shari began using drugs
to numb her pain. “I felt like I had no reason to live – but I didn’t want to die.” Shari's addiction
progressed and street drugs started being laced with fentanyl, so she knew she needed to change
to stay alive. That's when Shari came to the Christian Aid Center in search of help.

“I’m learning how to heal my soul and set boundaries.”

Through our recovery program, Shari received guidance and care to overcome her addiction and
begin healing from her past traumas. She also started building a relationship with God and was
baptized. “Now I’m very active in my church,” she says. “I’m thankful to the CAC for giving me
a new life and the confidence to live productively.”

Shari has since graduated from our recovery program and has steady employment. She
gives thanks for YOU and your incredible generosity. Your support has changed her life.
“Before, I was suicidal and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel of my addiction. Now,
I’m excited to find out how else God is going to change me.”