From Heroin Addict to Hopeful Mom

BJ had been addicted to heroin since she was 16 years old. Nine years later, she was still using street drugs, and had lost custody of her two children. But then BJ began showing signs that she was trying to get her life together.

When she came to Penn Free Bridge Housing, she had been drug free for a little over ten months and was visiting her children on a regular basis. Within one year, BJ entered the Community College of Allegheny County for nursing. She also regained custody of her children.

Towards the end of her 12 months with Penn Free, BJ became pregnant. The program staff agreed she would benefit from a six-month extension in the program.

The result? BJ was able to maintain her grades with a 3.4 average. She found a house she could afford with little money down. Plus she became engaged. All this, while she still worked one part-time job and attended her weekly Narcotics Anonymous meetings.