Meet Stacy

Published May 16, 2018

Stacy is a kind, quiet, hard working woman. Stacy was a stay at home mom for many years. Stacy went through a rough period in her life (she suffers from depression) and ended up using opiates and became addicted. She is currently 5 months clean and very focused on her recovery! Go Stacy! Unfortunately, her drug use also resulted in involvement with the criminal justice system. The combination of minimal work experience and a criminal conviction makes finding work and feeling confident very challenging. Fortunately, TWB has had the honor of having Stacy as part of our team. Stacy is now empowered, recognizes she is amazing and is working at Chipotle!

Questions/Answers

What circumstances brought you to where you were before you joined Together We Bake?

Stacy: I was staying at a hotel and my probation officer sent me to a transitional housing program, then I relapsed and had to go to detox. Once at detox, I was introduced to Together We Bake.

What inspired you to apply to Together We Bake?

My Probation Officer recommended it. She told me about the program and thought it would be beneficial for me to be a part of it. She was right!

How has Together We Bake changed your perspective on life?

Stacy: It’s given me self-esteem, and the time to look introspectively to truly understand who I am.

Has someone at Together We Bake had a particular influence on you?

Stacy: Trish, she reminds me of myself and I can relate to her.

How would you describe Together We Bake?

Stacy: Self-motivating! It is real empowerment for women, you gain life skills, you gain trust in women.

What do you feel is the most valuable thing Together We Bake does??

Stacy: Empowerment classes, letting us know we all make mistakes, we’re human and learning to lean on each other and trust.

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Together We Bake?

Stacy: Trust!

Do you have any specific memories of experiences at Together We Bake?

Stacy: I was really proud of myself for opening up in group, that’s not my type of personality, I don’t usually share at all.

What was the most challenging thing about the program? How did you overcome the challenge?

Stacy: Attendance and being here. In the beginning, I was out a lot because I was sick. Feeling unmotivated and wanting to stay in bed was becoming a pattern, so I had to make a commitment to myself to show up and give my all to the program. I even started coming on days where I didn’t have to!

What is something you are proud of that you achieved because of your participation in Together We Bake?

Stacy: My confidence, just being involved, participating, and being comfortable being myself. I am able to have a voice in a positive way.

What advice do you have for women considering applying to Together We Bake?

Stacy: They should try it, it is very empowering experience for your inner self and outer self. It is a lesson that you will never get anywhere else.