Hello, my name is Barbara. I am the oldest of four siblings, born and raised in Denver in a very abusive home. My father is an alcoholic and my mother was addicted to speed. Their marriage ended in divorce when I was 12.
I was supposed to live with my mother, but that didn’t work out so my grandparents raised me. My mom moved to Oklahoma with my infant sister and my brothers lived with our father. I didn’t 
finish high school, but somehow, I was able to attend Colorado Community College for a year and a half, taking classes in social work and sociology. I married very young at 19 and have two grown children and three grandchildren.
When my mother passed away, my sister was on her own and in her thirty’s. She too, was using drugs and her drug use became worse after my mother past away. My sister and I became closer as I tried to be a mom for her. Three years ago, my sister died from cancer and I became sad and unmotivated. The depression made it hard to get up and do the things I needed to do. My sister-in-law was a participate at Women’s Bean Project years ago and told me about how they helped her, so I decided to apply.
I was hired in April 2018, and I feel good about myself now because there is so much support from staff and the women I work with. I look forward coming to the Bean Project every day because I love the work and I love the friends I’ve made. I like the feeling of accomplishing our goals set for each day and week and I like working with my hands.
I feel good about myself that I’m getting the classes I need for the future, such as working towards my GED. The art classes make me more relaxed and allow me time to reflect. My goal for the future is to find a dependable job that pays good money. I’m currently in the job search phase of the program and have applied for several jobs. I feel so positive and calm now and know my future is bright!
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11 Comments
Hang in there sister, what God doesn’t deliver us from, He delivers us through! You are loved!
Congrats on your new job, Barbara. Make some friends while you are there, study for your GED & take a few minutes of each day to remember where you are now & where you are going!
Thank you so much for your support of Barbara and all of the women at Women’s Bean Project. We will make sure to share your post with Barbara.
I just read your story, Barbara, and I wanted to say how inspired by you I am. I can relate to aspects of your history and know how hard that is. God has GOT YOU, girl, and He’s so so good. Sending much love to you and gratitude for the work you’re doing!
Barbara! Thank you for sharing
your story! Praise God He lead you to the Bean Project! Continue to do and be great!
Congratulations, Barbara! Success! Always allow God to lead your path. So happy for you! Thank you, for all your hard work! I love that cilantro rice!
Thank you for sharing this story, Barbara, and thank you for taking each step you do towards your goals! I am making lentil soup for my family, prepared by YOU, so your work is feeding people body and spirit! God bless you!
Barbara, I am so humbled and feel priviledged to read your story. Thank you for sharing it. It seems you’re in a good place now and may God overwhelm you with His love and lead you forward so that you can continue to be a blessing to others.
laura
Barbara,
You deserve so much love and happiness. I too feel privileged to read your story.I know it will be an inspiration for so many.
All the best to you,
Barbara
Barbara,
You are a courageous woman. I am so encouraged by your story. Go froth and don’t look back, except to gaze in amazement at what God is doing in you. I hope you’ll update this site again, so we can get excited for you each step forward. Go, girl!
Good job Barbara; you are motivating me and yourself. I hope you write more- I love your writing and inspiration! Happily, Joni