My name is Jennifer, I’m 39 years old. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio I wish I’d could say that I had this white picket fence life that every young female wishes for. But, it was far from that. My mother and father moved around a lot, drugs were priority. My dad was in and out of prison a lot so momma did the best she could providing for my siblings and I. Let’s just say we had a lot of men around. I learned from a very young age how to survive, being that I took on the role of my parents and taking care of my siblings. Momma would leave us at the house for days and nights at a time. At some point we even moved in with my aunt and her seven boys and that’s when things changed me for the worse. Being molested sure wasn’t a choice, but it surely wasn’t something you’d talk about either. By the age 12 I was as promiscuous as the come. Sleeping around with old guys and I’m not talk boys my age, I talking mothers best friends husband. It was a routinely thing, as well as my beginnings to a hard road of addiction. Smoking pot made me cool, drinking made me a drunk. Not to mention a whore, I was sleeping around a lot. On the weekends when I’d be at momma’s best friends. Her husband would let me sneak out with the know drug dealer in the neighborhood, man I thought we was in love. I wasn’t until I hit 15 when I realize I had turned my first trick. He was giving him crack to let me run around all hours of the night. By age 16 I was on my way to the OB for my first pregnancy.

Shortly after I dropped out of high school, to be a mother. But, I wasn’t much of one. I had a serious coke problem and it became my number one priority. I ran with the local druggies and dealers, and I did what I had to do to get what I needed. Even if that meant, hitting the streets to make money. Shit most people be fucking for free, why not do it to get paid was my mindset. And that’s just what I did, I met a man who put me on to the in and outs to the game. They’d set me up, schedule my dates. I had a driver everything was cool until it wasn’t. Shit got bad and really quick, it was no longer fucking for money, it was fucking for dope, for my next fix. I had graduated to shooting heroin, and with that monkey on your back you’ll do just about anything to get it. And that’s just what I did, I’m hit licks and setting up anyone with a bag. If I wanted it I got it even if that meant people getting hurt in the process. I’d take from my love ones, lie to them. Don’t get me wrong I was still selling myself as well. But, I thought hell I’ll just start selling the drugs so I can support my habit. That sure as hell isn’t an easy task either I always found myself fucking up the pack and back to what I new best. Laying on my back, it wasn’t until I got my first charges in the legal system did I realize I had became I victim of human trafficking, and to the street. I had a few moment of clarity where I’d get myself together and on the right path. And I’d always find myself going back.

Out to the streets chasing the same stuff it was until my latest arrest and my incarceration here at Ohio Reformatory for Women. That I really started to seek out to make real changes. I was introduced to Mr. Patrick Crowe about two years ago. He has been an amazing mentor and friend. Helping me find myself, as well as freedom within myself. Providence, Hope and Recovery has helped me to become the woman I am today. I know that with out the support and guidance of this amazing support group and program as well as the people involved. I wouldn’t have gotten this far In my recovery, and journey on my new path of righteousness. Thanks for everything you do!

Jennifer Curry

Maryville, Ohio