Spotlight Stories

Samantha's journey began in Newark, where she was born. She was raised bu abusive alcoholic parents. She moved in with her grandmother at age 9 when her parents lost their lives to alcohol.

While living with her grandmother, Samantha was sexually abused by her uncle's friends. The abuse continued until age 15 - about the time she started drinking. By age 18, she started abusing drugs - first crack, then cocaine. It did not take long until she was stealing to support her habbit.

At age 21, Samantha had her first child. She continued to have 6 more children bu 6 different men, Her drug use impeded on her ability to raise her children - all of which were taken away by the foster care system. Samantha tried to quit, but she never stayed clean long, She began the cycle of drugs and stealing for drugs. And soon she was found guilty on 18 different charges and sent to jail.

In 2009, Samantha was released to a pre-probation facility in Paterson. Through the facility, she was given the opportunity to attend Oasis' GED classes. At Oasis, she took computer classes and then enrolled in the Workplace Readiness Program. A year later, Samantha passed her GED!

Samantha has been drug-free for 3 years now and has moved to Delaware for a fresh start. She is employed and is currently working with a case manager to become a Medical Assistant. Through Oasis, Samantha found hope for a better future.