From Chaos to Clarity — A Journey of Faith, Growth, and Second Chances

Before joining the Televerde program, Jamie described her life with one word: chaos. Twenty years of addiction had taken its toll—unstable housing, inconsistent employment, toxic relationships, and a growing sense of hopelessness. “I had never completed a program,” she shared. “And honestly, I didn’t think I ever would.”

But everything changed when she faced a potential sentence of 9 to 25 years. It was a wake-up call. Instead of giving in to despair, Jamie leaned into faith. “I started working on myself in county jail and leaned on God,” she said. That decision opened the door to a new path—one that led her to the Televerde Foundation.

A Program. A Community. A Lifeline.
Jamie was placed in a dorm full of women focused on their goals—women who, like her, were determined to change. It was a life-altering experience. “The friendships I formed through Televerde Foundation and Televerde have stood to this day,” she said. “We were taught skills, given confidence, and provided resources to help us succeed.”

One of the most challenging aspects of Jamie’s transformation was learning to self-reflect and take accountability. “It’s not easy to sit back and realize your role in everything that’s happened,” she shared. “But doing so gave me back control over my life. It helped me forgive others—and myself.”

Mentors like Lara created safe spaces for that growth. Jamie remembers how group sessions, though difficult at first, helped her open up. “I realized just how important female friendships and having people who could relate to me really were,” she said.

Living a New Story
Today, Jamie is almost five years sober. She’s rebuilding her relationships, especially with her family. Her sister is proud of her. Her mom and son are closer than ever. She’s mentoring her teenage niece. Her everyday actions are now rooted in thoughtfulness and intentionality.

She’s currently working toward becoming a certified peer recovery specialist—a path that only recently became an option in Ohio due to changes in the law. And she’s actively improving her credit, with hopes of buying a home. “Every thought and every action I’ve taken since coming home is completely different than anything I’ve ever done before,” she said.

Indiana Roots. Honored as a Cinderella.
Jamie’s journey began in the Indiana Televerde Foundation PATHS program, where she embraced the opportunity to create lasting change in her life. She was selected as one of our Cinderellas for the Once Upon a Second Chance event—a recognition of women who exemplify resilience, transformation, and hope. Although circumstances prevented us from celebrating her at the event, her story continues to shine just as brightly. Jamie is a true testament to the power of second chances and the quiet strength that keeps moving forward, even without the spotlight.

Words of Wisdom
When asked what she’d say to someone facing the same struggles she once did, Jamie doesn’t hesitate:
“There is hope. Recovery is possible. You are worth it. It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it. Your past does not define you—and your life is worth saving. For your family. For your future. And most importantly—for yourself.”