My name is Carol.  I was one of those "unwanted children".  When I was young, my mom and dad worked a lot.  At 9, they divorced and my sister took over parenting duties. Soon we were skipping school and hanging out in the neighborhood.  In 11th grade, my sister introduced me to marijuana and drinking, and I got into relationships with guys who were trouble.  I dropped out of school, had a daughter, married a drug dealer, and the addictions began.  Coke, sleeping pills, and drug dealing started us running.  We sold every drug on the street, sometimes in kilos, and lived large. Then we got busted. 
 
On probation, I cleaned up a few times, but eventually retreated into more addiction.  I used while nursing, used while bartending, used men in relationships, and abused my probation. 
I landed in jail over and over.  For 29 years, it seemed I had everything. 
But I finally realized that I didn't really know who I was.  Thankfully, a counselor connected me with the Boston Rescue Mission. 

When I came here, I felt really tired.  But the house feels safe-there's something here that seems to ward away evil.  Now
I can make good choices, get along with people, have feelings, and live with hope.  It's a beautiful opportunity to see my life turning around--the best thing I could have ever done.  I can't thank the Mission enough.