Society of Saint Vincent de Paul North Idaho

Deborah Brady's Story

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Before I got into transitional housing I was living with my two children in my sister’s old single wide trailer in Rathdrum with her 2 children. It was not in good condition and needed major repair. I was looking for work and finally got a job at Altek through Humanix where my sister worked. I had to car pool with my sister to work daily. I was struggling with alcohol at this time and Super Bowl Sunday 2007 was thankfully the last day I drank. I decided that a place to live with my 2 children was more important than alcohol. I then moved into transitional housing on February 15, 2007.

I have accomplished several important goals with the help of my case manager staying on top of it all. I have paid my rent monthly on time, due to the help from a kind administrative person in the office. I purchased a vehicle, got my Idaho drivers license, purchased license plates, registration and insurance, got the oil changed on my car on a regular basis, stayed on Idaho’s housing list, found a good babysitter, improved my wages with a different job, got a home phone and saved lots of money. I also am going to get some dental work done in the near future thanks to St. Luke’s church here in Coeur d’ Alene. My future plans include getting my CNA license to work in private care homes, to stay clean and sober, complete my GED, work close to home until I get myCNA license and do some flagging in the summer.

I have learned that I love to accomplish goals and stay organized in the process, to stay focused on the future, that it is exciting to stay clean and sober, to stay honest about my alcohol urges and how to overcome them. I have also learned from parenting classes about the value of giving children choices, how to use them with my kids, and to be consistent in my discipline. I have lots to work on to stay consistent as a parent, though. I also learned through Real Life Ministries that I am rich because of all that I have in my life.

I am so glad that St. Vincent de Paul gave me a second chance in life!!