My name is Martina Lepannen, and this letter is about hope – but it didn’t start that way.
Today, I am a mother, full-time employee, partner and student. As I introduce myself this way, I realize I wasn’t always able to describe myself like that. It wasn’t until recently that I could actually describe who I am…and smile while doing it.
When I was young, I learned some disastrous lessons from my mother. Instead of teaching me things that would help me, she taught me how to be an alcoholic and drug addict. My mother died when I was 9 years old, and her death did not stop me from following in her footsteps. After a lot of bad choices and hurting a lot of people, I eventually quit my job and traded my children for a bottle and a bag.
I never wanted to walk this path, but eventually this destructive lifestyle caught up with me. I hit bottom when my child, born with diabetes, was taken from me by Child Protective Services because I chose my addictions over his needs. With my children were gone and my life devastated, I had no place to go and nowhere to turn… at least that’s what I thought until I found Cottage Housing.
They accepted me right from the start, something that not many other places would do. They didn’t judge, didn’t ridicule, but instead provided me with the support and care I needed. They got me into their housing program, Serna Village, which was like Utopia - a perfect world where I could start again. With Cottage Housing’s help, I realized who I was and what I wanted to be.
It was at Serna where I rediscovered myself. I regained custody of my children. I rediscovered how to pay bills, to set goals and take steps to achieve those goals. I rediscovered hope. Step by step someone from Cottage Housing was there, supporting me, believing in me…even on the days I didn’t believe in myself. I slowly became the woman and mother I always knew I could be. I fell in love with my life, my children, and my partner, Cody. Their smiles and laughter made my life complete. This was the family I always wanted. A far cry from the life my mother had given me.
With the support I received from Cottage Housing, I went from living in Serna Village to owning my own home. I went from life as an addict to being a loving mother and partner. I now have this dream of saving the world, and helping people who need help the most. Without Cottage Housing, I would never have had anything…especially hope.
Martina
