Meet Alexandra! Alexandra is October's Monthly Client Feature at the Samaritan Center!
Due to poor life decisions, Alexandra found herself homeless and turned to a directory to find local resources to assist her. Alexandra first came to the Samaritan Center in 2011. During this challenging period in her life, Alexandra noted that the Samaritan Center immediately assisted with providing hot meals and clothing, and became a vital lifeline of support. Alexandra initially lived out of her vehicle, but unfortunately ended up having to sleep in a tent. Alexandra stated that "although, I wasn't on the streets initially, losing my car made things much harder, and the instability of living in a tent was a difficult and isolating experience."
While navigating homelessness, Alexandra quoted that the Samaritan Center "offered emotional support and a sense of community, which was invaluable during a difficult time." She was able to meet with caseworkers one on one regularly to discuss her personal goals. That support continued when she gave birth to her daughter in 2012 and that became the pivotal moment to pull herself out of homelessness. Alexandra mentioned that during the holidays the Samaritan Center was able to provide Christmas gifts for her and her family.
Later on Alexandra attended multiple drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and stayed at
various homeless shelters, and was able to get off the streets. Eventually, she was able to secure a job as a Technician at a drug and alcohol treatment center. She put all her focus into helping others and was able to support individuals on their journey to recovery, similar to how she was supported during tough times. In 2017, she was able to secure her own apartment!
Although, Alexandra stopped visiting the Samaritan Center regularly, she never forgot the first beacon of hope and kindness she received from the Center. She went on to say "This part of my life was incredibly challenging, filled with uncertainty about where my future was headed, but by taking things one step at a time, I was able to reach my goals."
During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, Alexandra started candle making as a creative outlet. She began refining her talents and turned her creativity into a thriving small business! Alexandra is now working as her own boss doing something she loves! If you'd like to support Alexandra and Light of Life Candle, visit the link below! Thank you for sharing your story, Alexandra!