Noeli is enrolled in school and is working toward an associate’s degree in drug and alcohol counseling.

Due to an abusive upbringing, Noeli began using heroin at 16. At 17, after a heartbreaking stillbirth, drugs became her primary coping mechanism. In 2014, Noeli went to prison for five years for armed robbery. Six months after release, she went back to prison for two years for grand theft auto. By late 2021, Noeli was in prison for a third time.

When asked how Noeli heard about the Mission, she laughed. “It’s a funny story,” she said. “While I was in county jail, I actually wanted to go to a different program, but I kept getting the application for this program slipped under my door, with my name already filled out on top.

“I thought, ‘Okay God, you’re trying to tell me something.’ So, I filled it out and before I could change my mind, I slipped it back under the door for the staff to collect.”

To this day, Noeli still has no idea who persistently gave her the paperwork, though she is “incredibly grateful.”

The Mission was unlike anything Noeli had previously experienced. “It’s different than any program I’ve been to before. It’s a home here. The way staff here are engaged, there’s no way to hide anything; there’s no outside distractions.

“It’s intimate here. Other programs are so big that you don’t have the care and attention that you need. You could slip through the cracks or sneak around and never get caught.”

The safe, individualized, homelike setting was instrumental for Noeli’s recovery process. “I’m still here. Usually by three months, I’m like, ‘Okay, I can’t do this anymore.’ But this being faith based and having God so present, makes a big difference too.”

Although Noeli grew up going to church, she’s excited for the way her relationship with God has evolved. “Since I’ve (been) here, being in communication with Him, having the time to pray has made my relationship with God grow, my trust in Him grow,” Noeli said.

“Me on my own, I wouldn’t have the strength to keep pushing to stay clean and sober. If it weren’t for God, I wouldn’t have the strength to be here.”

While at the Mission, Noeli is utilizing the resources the program offers. “I’m focusing on how to work on my emotions, my triggers. It was powerful to hear that I wasn’t born an addict. It’s a reminder that change is possible.”

Noeli completed her GED while in prison, and is now enrolled in college, working towards an associate’s degree in drug and alcohol counseling. Ultimately, Noeli wants to help young girls who, much like herself, began using drugs early in life. After graduation, Noeli hopes to reunite with her three children, who are with Noeli’s parents.

Noeli’s advice to others is simple. “It’s never too late. It doesn’t get better out there. Nothing else changes, you have to change. Come to the program, seek recovery, it’s the best.”