Tabatha came to Amethyst Place in 2021 after a substance abuse disorder that ultimately led to her being housless and losing custody of her son. “One day I came home to my front door and there was a letter on the door from Children’s Division saying that I was too unsafe to be a parent and I could no longer see him.” When Tabatha saw that letter, she knew it was time to seek help. Tabatha contacted ReDiscover who helped her apply to Amethyst Place, an Impact 100 organization, that is a long-term supportive housing program for women and children recovering from generational poverty, substance use, and trauma. Tabatha moved into Amethyst Place to overcome her addiction and restart her life. “After two and a half weeks when I moved into Amethyst, I got him [her son] back full custody. He loves living here, he has his own room and everything.”
Today, after 3 years and 9 months sober, Tabatha works as a Peer Support Specialist at University Health KC. “I got my first client last week and it was super humbling because she was at the beginning of her journey, and I just remember being there and just telling her that there’s hope.” University Health KC is one of 400 corporate partners that runs an internal UWGKC campaign to support over 700+ nonprofits in our community.
“2023 Tabatha is involved in the community. I would like to call myself a role model, I try to be. I try to be a sister for everybody who needs one. If I see someone struggling I reach out and let them know that I’m here for them, and that I love them and care about them.”
Tabatha’s journey led her from seeking treatment at Amethyst Place, an Impact 100 organization, to being employed by a company that supports the work of UWGKC.
“I’m just excited about the future, about how many people my story can touch.”