Michelle's Story

Five years ago, Michelle came from place of constant crisis, addiction, and involvement in an unhealthy relationship, and didn't feel as though she had much of a future together for her and her family. After many years of struggling with her addiction, she learned that her family is the most important part of her life and that she wakes up every morning, and goes to sleep every night, with her girls in mind. That is why she continues to work so diligently to move ahead.

After battling her addiction through treatment, she continued on with college to obtain a degree as a legal secretary at Anoka Technical College with a GPA of a 3.85 and was also nominated to the All USA Academic Team through USA Today Nationally. Michelle said, "I'm so proud of my accomplishments! As a long term goal I'd like to return to school and receive my teaching license." Currently Michelle is working as a restaurant manager and part-time waitress in Monticello.

Michelle has two daughters.  Her older daughter enjoys doing flips, dance, reading, singing, going to school, and her favorite colors are purple, pink, and blue. When she gets her home, she wants to keep her room clean and paint it her favorite colors. Her younger daughter enjoys doing dance, swimming, is excited to learn because she's a new kindergartener, and is starting soccer soon.  Her favorite colors are pink, red, and black and when she moves into her new home she wants to decorate her room with monkeys. Michelle enjoys learning, reading, being outdoors, spending time with her children, and watching them grow and play.

Michelle wants to thank the many sources of her strength like God, Network for Life support group, and mentors that have touched her life during her challenges as a person and parent. She is eager to host her first Christmas dinner this year in her new home, but is yet waiting for a location to be offered for their potential home site.