Rising Above: Dreama’s Journey from Addiction to Hope
July 31, 2024
“My name is Dreama, and I’m a grateful recovering addict,” she begins, her voice steady and filled with a newfound strength. Dreama’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of community support.
Dreama’s battle with addiction spanned 30 years and stemmed from profound personal losses. “I lost my whole family,” she shares, her voice tinged with sorrow. Her sister was killed by a co-worker, her father succumbed to alcohol, and her mother passed away. “Drugs tore my family apart,” she adds. These tragedies drove her deeper into addiction.
Despite numerous attempts to detox and live in halfway houses, she often found herself returning to old habits.
She worked at a local sandwich shop for 31 years and described herself as a functioning addict.
“I was an IV user, and I never thought I would stop,” she admits. “At one point I thought I was going to die, and I was alright with that. And it’ sad, and it’s lonely down there, especially when you don’t have a family.”
Six months ago Dreama hit rock bottom and was determined to finally get sober for good. She says she was tired of seeing her friends die, “I’ve lost a lot of people in this war.”
Dreama moved into Sojourner’s Place, a Wilmington shelter that provides individualized services to homeless men and women. It’s there she discovered the Food Bank of Delaware’s L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) program.
Twelve weeks ago, she began her 14-week training journey, and the program has given her hope for a better future. The program has provided her with the tools and support needed. “All my years battling this addiction, I now have a future,” she says with gratitude.
Dreama is working to rebuild her credit and save money through the Stand By Me program, and she is grateful for Operations Instructor Lloyd Badson and Workforce Training Program Coordinator Penni Enama. She says they have believed in her every step of the way.
“I’ve never thought I would see myself with six months without being in jail,” she admits.
Dreama recently had a job interview at a local logistics company and says she is focused because she “finally sees a light at the end.” She plans to stay at Sojourner’s Place until she gets back on her feet and envisions a bright future. She plans to save money and eventually move to a quieter place, away from the triggers of her past life. “I see myself in Milford or Sussex County, with a good job and a nice car,” she says. Her relationship with her son has also improved, and she cherishes spending weekends with her grandson.
To those battling addiction, Dreama offers heartfelt advice, “Get in touch with someone affiliated with support programs like Sojourners’ Place. It gives you hope.” She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive environment that doesn’t immediately pressure individuals into financial independence before they are ready.
As Dreama prepares to graduate from the training program later in August, she reflects on the journey. “I’m going to miss all this. I got close with everybody,” she says. The camaraderie, the meals prepared by culinary students, and the support from instructors have all played a significant role in her recovery.
To learn more about the L.O.G.I.C. training program, click here.
