A Girl Who Has Been Given A Chance

Advocates. What an innovative concept. Wait! The phone! Yes…new windows and curtains – of course new floors – and a new dishwasher… all for the house.

Also the Christmas and Thanksgiving parties must be planned for the consumers. The counselor did what? Bought a new antenna for the TV out of her own money? Does the picture get any better?

My name is Freya. I was placed into an Advocates home last June. This is what a day in Advocates is like. People giving me a chance. Before this I was homeless in a state mental hospital. Advocates picked me up and I began.

I think of the scores of homeless people I left behind…all with a dream…to be somewhere someday and then I see myself – a girl that has been given a chance. Every night I say a prayer and breathe deeply – yes, another night in my own room with new curtains and new windows; the pieces of my day dance before me as I gather the magic of is all. As much as I hate to admit it, I need these people in my life now. To teach me about myself and how to get along day to day. The funny part about it is that no matter how much I try to put them out – they are so forgiving and patient with me. God bless.

When I begin to weigh what has been done for me I am overwhelmed with numbness and joy. A feeling penetrates me like a knife cutting something. Something like either glass of ice. Something…I can feel a cold chill going down my spine. Some days they tell me I will be independent enough where I won’t need them. What?! Who will gently remind me to take my medications? It seems like one day maybe I will do it. What a concept! This is my goal I am told. I am numb again. What would I do without Advocates? The answer seems logical enough. They want to help as many people become as independent as possible.

Freya K.