Maria's Story - Facing the Future Through Love and Understanding
I grew up with my grandmother and her boyfriend of 25 years, who I called dad. My mother was a drug addict and alcoholic who didn't have the mental capacity to care for my sister and me. My grandmother and dad did their best, but he left when I was young, and she developed Parkinson's disease. My mother, who was battling addiction, came to care for my grandmother and kicked me out. While it was hurtful, it was the best thing that could've happened to me. I stayed with a friend in Arkansas, where I lived in a run-down trailer with the roof caving in and a flea infestation. Very soon, I realized that I had to find a way out. An ex-boyfriend offered me money to return to Albuquerque. We dated until I began to fear for my physical safety. A friend at the time told me about New Day. I was scared but joined the program, and things improved. I still faced challenges due to being rejected and hurt by my family, but the people at New Day showed me kindness. I got my GED, and I developed confidence and independence. I found work that I enjoyed at the airport and stuck with it. Then I went on vacation to Portland, Oregon. I went back and forth between Albuquerque and Portland for two years. I didn't feel like I belonged there, but I met a man who became like a father, and in that sense, I found the love I had always craved. This helped me through bad times and helped me realize that it's the love and understanding that makes for a better life. I also met a little girl who helped me realize I wanted to become a nurse. I chose to come back to Albuquerque, and I met another significant person to influence me. He was the missing piece to my puzzle by teaching me not to be ashamed of who I am and where I come from, but instead to embrace it. Someday, I hope to pass on the love and understanding these people and New Day had for me. I want to be a good nurse and help the people who need it the most. Because of my experiences, I no longer hold anger towards the past, and I realize that all people need is love and understanding. I'm fortunate to have found a program and the people who provided it to me. In 1976, New Day Youth & Family Services began as Albuquerque's first and only runaway shelter. For the past 40 years, New Day has remained singularly focused on meeting young people's needs. Visit NDNM.org to learn more. | 
