As a mother of four and a student, Ms. Haddock balances a full schedule but says Dignity has helped her learn how to manage everyday life. “This is the first time I really have to be responsible. Real life just showed up,” she said. “I’m grateful that Dignity is here. They were a Godsend for me.”

 Having maintained sobriety for two and a half years, Ms. Haddock says it was the support of Dignity staff and friends that have proven most helpful. “Learning how to face [life] without [drugs] to fall back on was a struggle. But because Dignity has such a support system, I got through it,” she said. “There were a couple times I wanted to scream, and I did. I had to reach out and talk to staff. I had to realize it was normal.”

After a difficult period of separation, the Haddock family reunited upon entering Dignity Housing. Three of Ms. Haddock’s four children now live with her at Dignity, while her eldest son lives with her mother and visits every weekend. Even though [the children] were happy to be home, it was an adjustment. We’re learning to trust each other again,” said Ms. Haddock. She says that therapy and Dignity’s emphasis on parenting skills, have both contributed to the family's growth.     

Ms. Haddock, proud of her children's academic improvement, believes that participation in Dignity’s After- School Program and better communication as a family, have aided their progress. “My children are wonderful and I’m grateful for the opportunity I have to be in their lives now that we’re all together,” she said.

Not only have her children benefited academically, Ms. Haddock herself was awarded a scholarship through Dignity’s Education and Life Skills Scholarship Fund. Having utilized the funds, she recently received a certificate from Community College of Philadelphia for a course in Phlebotomy, and is currently completing her externship. She hopes to gain employment as a Phlebotomist in the near future.

Reaching this success proved difficult for reasons beyond any educational challenge. Ms. Haddock’s history of drug use threatened her enrollment and completion in the course. She said, “I had to get reference letters and prove myself. I wanted [the college] to understand the person I was, and the person I am today.” She believes, “The person I am today speaks for itself.”

Overall Ms. Haddock says a commitment to change must come from within, but she is grateful for Dignity and its presence in her life. “More than anything you have to help yourself. Dignity lays down the groundwork for you and you know they’re there for you when you really need them. They give you direction and it’s up to you to do the rest.”

Comparing her past struggles and where she is today, Ms. Haddock says, “I’m not saying that I’ve arrived, but I think that today I’m more responsible. I pay my bills, I pay my rent and I understand why I need to, and I’m happy to pay it because I can…Dignity is preparing me for when I leave here.”

As for the future, Ms. Haddock plans to complete school, maintain stable employment and prepare for housing beyond Dignity. While she claims to be somewhat nervous about transitioning out of Dignity this year, she says, “It’s not the kind of fear that’s going to halt me. I know there will always be struggles, but I will become a solid self-sufficient productive parent.”