Success Stories

My name is Mandie. I am the mother of four children – 2 daughters (ages 16 & 18) and two sons who are 11 and 3 years old. I have worked in the bar/restaurant industry for the past 20 years. Over the years I became very wrapped up in the party atmosphere that tends to be a part of this industry. Even though I was fortunate to be able to maintain a job, and function as a mother, I was not able to move forward to other aspects of my life that I strived for - including getting a better education.

About three years ago, I started using cocaine – or rather, it started using me. In June of 2006 I was arrested and spent about 9 weeks in jail. When I got out of jail the first thing I did was get myself into a treatment program. At this time, I was homeless with one vehicle and none of the worldly possessions I once had. I didn’t even have any clothes.

I was referred to Cuidando los Niños by my case manager at Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. Cuidando has done amazing things for me and my family. The hours were the first plus for me. CYFD would only allow me 24 hours per week in daycare, which included my travel time. When relying on public transportation, travel times can sometimes be very long. It often took me an hour to get my son to school and then another hour to get back to pick him up – which only left me with 14 hours per week to accomplish all the things I needed to do to resolve the situation I was in. When I had my son in the other daycare I was in a very uncomfortable place trying to explain my situation and why I couldn’t always supply diapers and wipes on the days they wanted me to bring them in. Cuidando los Niños provided all this and also breakfast, lunch and two snacks a day.

When a person is homeless and has no income there are resources to get diapers and other help but the resources are limited and your time is being spent on running after these things instead of on the resources you need to get out of your situation. The most important thing that the people at CLN did was show that they cared and wanted to help. I appreciate the way my child and I are respected and taught with enthusiasm. Breakfast was always offered to my daughter and me in the morning and the atmosphere of the school is that the parents are welcome to stay and be with their child if they feel they need to be. The resources offered at CLN seem limitless. I got into an apartment on Nov. 30 th, 2006 and had no idea what I was going to do for Christmas. Cuidando totally came through and made sure we had presents and food. They have provided us with jackets, shoes, mittens, hats, scarves and blankets. The case management team is supportive and helpful in everybody’s situation. They have helped with on site doctors for immunizations and check ups, dental office referrals, referrals for furniture, bus passes, donation nights that we get to do a little bit of shopping at, and at parent night where we get to know each other and have a presentation to learn something new constantly. I have created a few really great friendships at these parent nights. I appreciate the parent teacher conferences and the availability of the play therapist, even if the problem is just potty training tips.

Since I started at Cuidando los Niños I have graduated from my treatment program, taken courses in financial literacy, computers and life skills. I finally have the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a natural therapist. I start school in October 2007. I have also gotten involved in a grant that will help me to start my own business in 2009. I have done volunteer work for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless and also at CLN. My experiences have been just amazing. I changed my attitude towards society and the way I think about people. I have always felt like Cuidando los Niños has given me a hand up – but never have they made me feel like they were giving me a hand out.