I wanted to share the below letter from former resident Samantha Poynter. Hers is a remarkable success story, much of which she credits to the Dismas Charities Manchester programming and staff. Upon turning in employment forms, Poynter wrote the following letter, wanting staff to know of her personal success and the renewed relationship with her daughter.
Renee Hacker, Director
Dismas Charities Manchester
“My name is Samantha Poynter. I am currently on home confinement and due to be released in March. I was incarcerated for two years. Until recently, I had not spent sober time with Willow, my six-year-old daughter, since she was born. I was there physically, but mentally and emotionally, I was unavailable. I was fortunate enough to have not lost custody of her and had great support from her father and my mother. I am very thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to rebuild a healthy relationship with her father and I’m able to co-parent successfully. I can finally read her bedtime stories and tuck her in at night. I have come so far and continue to grow daily. I am a work in progress. I have been in addiction since I was 13 and this is the first time that I can honestly say that I am happy, I’m at peace with myself, and I love me. I struggle every day, but I made myself a promise to never forget where I came from and remind myself that I never want to go back there again. Addiction took me away from myself and took me away from those that care deeply for me. Unfortunately, my daughter suffered the most. However, I can say with the utmost confidence that I am a good mother and I try with every fiber of my being to be the best version of myself for Willow. We now have an amazing relationship and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. I am almost three years sober and I am full of gratitude. I can finally look in the mirror and recognize the woman staring back at me.”
