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| Denise, at the age of 38, walked through the doors of New Directions Career Center looking for acceptance for the woman she is today, and not for judgments based on her past behaviors. Having spent her childhood in foster care, where she was physically and sexually abused, Denise never seemed to have the chance to develop self-esteem or self-confidence. In 1998, a major turning point occurred – a gang sexually assaulted Denise. She remembers being beaten, including being stomped on by six gang members. A worker from a social service agency found Denise lying in the street and within a week, Denise entered a six-month chemical dependency rehabilitation program. After hearing about New Directions Career Center while in treatment, Denise showed up at our door. She stated that she was desperate to find help. Eager to learn more about herself as well as come up with some plans for the future, Denise faithfully attended the month-long New Directions program. Her self-confidence rose to new highs during the program. During the New Directions program, Denise enrolled in real estate schooling, which she has now completed, and now is working on her licensing exam. Denise is clean and sober, has been in a healthy relationship for over three years, and is working towards her dream career in real estate. |