Congratulations!
 

The first three graduates of 2010 display the variety of backgrounds and goals typical of so many of our women. Brenda graduated from the GARDEN, is now working and has moved from Fresno.
 
Maki and Gina are continuing with us in the Community Connection Program. Among the requirements for this program are that a woman must have graduated from either CrossRoads or the GARDEN and is working or continuing her education.
 

Acceptance into Community Connection is not automatic and requires that a graduate include a letter of application explaining what she has learned. Areas to be discussed are: faith, emotions, behavior, and intellect. Gina’s letter captures the essence of our hopes and prayers for each of our women.
 
Here is a small part of what she said in her two-page evaluation prior to graduation in April:
 
I am supposed to write a letter to tell you my growth since I’ve come to the program. Where do I start?
 
Emotions—I still have deep issues that I need to work on, for example opening up to people. I want to share, but I still have that issue with people leaving me. I’m praying for that, and I know with God’s help I will overcome that battle.
 
Faith—Having God in my life has been the best decision that I have made. I’m not playing church anymore and I’m truly happy with that because that was the biggest problem I had to correct within myself.
 
Behavior—I don’t go off and start cussing out people anymore. I know how to act like a lady and to respect other peoples’ beliefs. I have learned to respect authority figures more than I used to. Here they wanted nothing from me but for me to strive to be the best I can be.
 
Intellect—I learned that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Some of the classes were hard and pushed me, but I never gave up.
 
I’m just thankful that God led me to this program where I could stand still and learn. Standing still was the hardest thing I had to do. I’m proud of myself for finishing and not running from myself.
 
I still need rules to follow. I know I’m a grown woman, but I never had structure in my life and I need just a little bit more before I leave on my own. My pastor told me that the real test is when I get more freedom. That time is coming and I don’t want to go astray. I trust myself here. This is my home. I’ve grown here, and I’m not ready to leave. Not right now.
 
There are still things I have to get straightened out before I can move on.