I am Women’s Bean Project: Christina

I, Christina, at 6 years old started working the onion fields in Oregon with my family. I was taught to do everything myself. I couldn’t ask for help. I had to figure everything out. If I could do something, I needed to go do it. My mother would yell and argue with my brothers and sisters and father. I didn’t like to argue because of my mother yelling at us. When I was 10, I was in a dark place. My mother and I did not get along. My father wouldn’t stand up to my mother. I started talking to God, seeing if he would help. He did. I’ve been talking to him ever since. I was introduced to dancing by my brother. My brother would see that I was struggling, so he would turn on his radio and let me dance. I have loved dancing ever since. My mother wouldn’t let my brothers and sisters go into stores. She believed that children didn’t belong in stores. When I was 15, I went to the grocery store for the first time. When I was in 11^th grade, my mother pulled me out of school to work on the farm. So, I never graduated high school or anything.

When I got married, I provided for my husband and children. I had 2 boys and 1 daughter. I worked to give them what they needed. My husband started using drugs and alcohol and was abusive. My husband and I divorced. I started to work more so I could have a house and feed my children. I worked double shifts at a warehouse. I barely got to see my children. My kids would ask if they had a mother. My sister would watch my kids and hers while I was working. We made a deal, where I would watch the children while my sister went to the store. I loved taking care of the children.

My life changed when I got into trouble with police. I’ve had a hard time ever since.

When I started Women’s Bean Project in August of 2022, my daughter had a CPS case opened and my two grandsons were taken away from the both of us. I have always taken care of my family and provided for them. I did everything for them. At the Bean, I got the chance to learn about me. I never had thought about what I wanted or needed. The Bean asked me about what I wanted and wanted to learn. I am learning that I can ask for help. That I don’t have to do everything. I don’t drink anymore or go dancing where I know I can get hurt. I was promoted to Production Lead. I know how to run all the machines and lines. Production Assistants tell me that want to be like me. I will graduate from Women’s Bean Project.

My dream is to get my GED or high school diploma, own a pair of Nikes and go to Hawaii. Thank you so much for helping me. The Bean has helped me with my children’s relationships. I get to have my grandsons back. My family back. I will always be grateful.