CHECK OUT OUR SPRING 2023 E-NEWSLETTER!

I am Women’s Bean Project: Rebecca

My story is a long struggle. I have been arrested thirty times, have four felonies and have spent four years in prison. I have three sons; my middle son was kidnapped by his father when he was seven and I have not seen him for over 20 years. My addiction to methamphetamine for 36 years influenced my other two sons to become addicted to drugs. Now, the three of us are working on staying sober (for me, it has been 19 months!), but have been unable to see one another for two years. Having experienced all of this, I am still positive about my future.

The people at Women’s Bean Project have given me that hope. They have provided a safe space for me to learn, grow and change. My mentor, who I meet with once a week, has given me the language to talk about my past to potential employers—addressing it openly and communicating my commitment to change. Most of all, I now have the confidence to accomplish goals, advocate for myself and to focus on a long-term career not just a “job”. I have become a skilled collaborator and have made supportive friends that I know will be there for me in the years to come.

The Haven, an in-patient behavioral modification and drug addiction treatment facility has been another crucial factor in steering me toward the path to success. One of the most rigorous in the country, this program has saved me by putting structure and stability back into my life. I have never been good at taking care of myself and that was killing me. When I entered The Haven 16 months ago, I carried around an oxygen tank and could barely walk—today I do not need the oxygen and am able to stand for hours during my workday at Women’s Bean Project.

I thank God every day for helping me to learn patience and acceptance and to have faith in a better life for my family.

26 Comments: View or leave one of your own!

26 Comments

  • Kathy Gilmore says:

    Hey Rebecca, it me Gilmore! Dude I just love what I just read and I’m am so so proud of you. You got this..keep up the great work girlie!

    Love you,

  • Ellen says:

    I am glad you are on the road to recovery and hope the best for you and your boys.

  • Molly says:

    You’ve got this! Stay strong. The world is proud of you.

  • Erin says:

    Rebecca, You are one amazing warrior woman! Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others with your perseverance and your positivity in the midst of all the challenges you have endured. Keep going and believing in the WONDER of you, the one and only you that was created to be a blessing!

    • Women's Bean Project says:

      Hi Erin,

      We will definitely share your comment with Rebecca. She has successfully graduated our program and is doing great! Feedback like this is shared with our women so that they know others are supporting their journey, and rooting for their overall success. Thanks again for your support! Happy Holidays 🙂

  • Leslie Heinrichs says:

    Rebecca, you made my delicious 10 Bean Soup! I am so thrilled that it is by you. You are doing a great job and are nourishing all of us. Keep doing great and know that we all are pulling for you!
    XXXOOO

    • Women's Bean Project says:

      Hi Leslie! We are so glad you enjoyed the 10 bean soup! Thanks for supporting all of the women at the Bean. We will be sure to pass along your kind words. Thanks for your response, and we hope you continue to enjoy our products!

  • Maggie says:

    Rebecca this story is absolutely incredible and so inspiring. You have had to face some fierce giants but you did it and are continuing to do it. Thank you for sharing your journey. You just never know who could be reading this…your life is a gift to them.

  • Gisele Shelley says:

    Rebecca I am touched by your courage and inspiration – the words I was reading on the necklace handmade by you. Thank you for your inspiration. You are a gift and are touching people every day, even those of us whom you don’t know. I haven’t seen my dad in 43 years and yet I talk to him now. Keep up the hope for yourself and your kids – they need you!

  • Pastor Katie says:

    Rebecca, I will pray for you to remain strong and focused in your recovery. We can do all things through the Lord. I am a survivor too. Different story but the battles are real.

  • Jennifer says:

    Rebecca.
    You are a blessing. God is using you to show His glory. Thank you for walking with him and being receptive to all the good that God has planned for your life.
    I’m praying with you.

  • Lynnell Simonson Popowski says:

    Have Hope Rebecca. And He will use all things for His Glory. God uses broken people like us to do His work. Bless you.

  • Trish says:

    I love your story. I also have fought addiction for years. I was clean & sober for over 20 years & then went out. But I’ve been fighting my way back and have 18 mos. now! I know how hard it is! Keep up the good fight. Sending prayers, love & positive energy. Your future can be glorious! I’m glad you found these wonderful people!

  • Sarah Melcher says:

    Rebecca, thank you so much for being so open about your story. The way you expressed it is so awesome. I’m a 4th generation Denver gal now stuck in CT and someone here introduced me to the Women’s Bean Project, and I’m so very proud to read about this and great people like you “back home”. I love the products, and I love your wonderful progress even more! Keep it up, I’m rooting for you!

  • Tracy Klink says:

    THIS IS AMAZING! Thank you for being vulnerable and brave to not only share your story with the world — but for caring about YOU and your sons, and taking care of yourself and getting sober! Congrats. You got this. I’m wishing you all the goodness in the world!

  • Geri says:

    Rebecca~ Your story of struggle and redemption and courage left me near tears. I’m just so very, very proud of you! I hope you have opportunities to share your story with others (besides here!)because it holds such a strong message of HOPE and perseverance. May God continue to hold you in the palm if His hand.

  • DAC says:

    Rebecca – I read above that you’ve now graduated the program. You’re inspiring! I hope you are doing well and moving forward.

  • Liz says:

    You are incredible! I am so thankful you have gotten to be sober and graduate – it’s not easy but God sees you and is with you every step of the way, have patience and grace with yourself love

  • Lisa says:

    God bless you Rebecca and never give up!

  • Cat Prue says:

    Keep up the Great work Rebecca! You got this! Never Give Up! Never Say Never!

  • Laurie B Heels says:

    Rebecca,
    You are a strong and capable woman! We all need a foundation of support and I’m so glad that you found it at the Women’s Bean Project. I’m so glad to support this company and all of you who just needed a helping hand. We all need someone in our life who can do that for us. Love and hope to you all!

  • Natalie Beller says:

    Rebecca, thank you for sharing your story. I am amazed by you. Thank you for continuing to have courage to take the next best step. It helps me have courage too.
    P.S. I made the bean soup, with some extra vegetables and entered it into a chili contest. I won 2nd prize! I put some boxes out on my chili table to promote Women’s Bean Project. It’s prize winning!

  • Bev Garrison says:

    Rebecca – your life is a continuing story. Remember to be kind to yourself and don’t give up! Your fan – Bev

  • JoAnn says:

    Rebecca, I am touched by your story. You truly are a gift to this world. What a beautiful soul you are!

  • Darcy says:

    Rebecca – you are a brave woman! I hope that you are able to hug your children and continue to inspire them.

  • Mary Beth Speer says:

    My husband and I are so moved by your story, Rebecca. We are prayerful that you are continuing to thrive in your life and wish you a blessed New Year. We bought Womens Bean Project soup mixes at the 10,000 Villages retail store in our town at Christmas. After reading your story, we will be sure to buy more through the year to support the Project.

Leave a Reply