I am Women’s Bean Project: Jen M

I’m a bit of a late bloomer, I waited till my late 20’s to begin my rebellious stage. Once I started, I made quick work of the general troubled persons checklist. Within the first couple years, I developed a debilitating illegal drug dependence, got myself into an extremely dysfunctional romantic relationship, made good friends with most my hometown’s shady crowd, and with their help began funding my life through less than legal endeavors. By 30, I came about 2 inches from my mortal end, in a bad situation that I helped create. That was enough for me to get my life together for 8 years…I was sober but found myself still dating and hanging out with toxic people. Then at 38 my best friend died unexpectedly, and my last bad relationship came to an end within a couple weeks of each other. I crumbled under the pain and dealt with it by returning to my old life and went on a bender that would turn out to last about 6 years. In January of 2025 I was homeless, jobless, mentally unwell and untreated, and my body and mind were giving up. The only thing left to do was go to rehab, so I did.

January 13th, 2025, my sister drove me to Denver and dropped me off at one of the only places in the state that would take me. I did 28 days plus another 4.5 months in residential treatment, but I was nowhere near ready to fully assimilate back into the real world. A fellow housemate of mine suggested that I apply at the Women’s Bean Project and with no real other employment opportunities I decided to. When I got the notice that I was accepted I was blown away. My self-esteem was low and my imposter syndrome was huge. I accepted and hoped that the opportunities they offered would be able to get me to the point that I could manage my life. For me, I knew that I was extremely smart, but I also knew that just because you “know the things” you should do, doesn’t equal being able to “do the things.” I have never been so supported. Whatever I needed they helped me figure out a solution and helped me plan a way to continue my newfound (never had before) self-sufficiency. I am not one to speak in absolutes but I am on the verge of 100% sure that from all aspects of wellness I am currently at the best point I have ever been in my life, with a confidence to continue on my path to living a life that will make me happy as I accept who I am currently and love who ever I decide to become, and I owe this to myself and the Women’s Bean Project.