Hi! My name is Jessica Staines and I am 20 years old. I grew up in Baldwin, Long Island. I was raised in a catholic background growing up, but never had a close relationship with God. At the age of 13 I started using marijuana and drinking with the older “cool” kids, by the age of 15 I got arrested for possession of cocaine and other illegal substances I was mandated to an inpatient program for 1 year. When I came home I went back to High School, and I got into a car accident. I then got addicted to pain killers and anti-psychotics for the next 3 years, along with partying and other drugs.
By the age 19 I felt I couldn’t live without taking a pill, but something was still missing. In May 2009 hit rock bottom when my mom kicked me out of my house because she didn’t want to watch me slowly kill myself. A week later I tried to get into a detox and while in the waiting room I met a couple that recently graduated the program and I called. I was 8in Teen Challenge the next day.
Since being here I have found God and realized the void I always felt was being filled with God’s love for me. He has lifted me out of the miry pit and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand, with him (Psalm 40). I have re-established a relationship with my mom and dad and other family members, but most of my relationship with God. He has given me overwhelming joy and peace in my heart. My plans, that God has put on my heart is to go back to college in fall 2010 for psychology and to stay at Long Island Teen Challenge as an intern before I go. God Bless!