Casper, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – While some may cliche “New year, new you,” others see 2023 as a second chance at life.
Casper’s Salvation Army participates in a program called Wyoming Step Up. Manager Penny Shumeik explains the purpose of this transition program.
“We have several different assistantship programs that we offer women. They go to NA and AA meetings. They just want to be… more or less.. After being in prison for so long, I want to get back into society.
“One of the women participating in the WYSTEUP program is Christi Powers, who explains how drugs have taken her down a path she never intended.
“My kids used to go with their dad on the weekends. And finally someone recommended me a stronger drug and I did it. I got addicted really quickly and it got really easy. And my life started to spiral out of control. ”
After losing his child, Powers deteriorated even more rapidly, eventually becoming a drug dealer. That’s how she ended up in prison.
“I remember praying to God the week before I was caught, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ but there was no hope anymore. I was desperate…just no. That’s why I was arrested.” At one point, the police said, “It’s okay.” I said. It’s like… reassuring.
Powers spent two years in prison. When she was released, with no money and no home to return to, she met with Salvation Army people and enrolled in the WYSTEPUP program. She is currently working two jobs while taking online courses for her degree.
“This program gave me a chance not only to exist, but to live. It gave me a chance to reaffirm who I am. I can finally let it go…that could be what I did…but it’s someone I’m not anymore.
The Casper Area Program can assist up to 8 women at a time. And now the program is doing just that.
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