My name is Carla Kinard-Lindsay. I’m 44 years old and used drugs for 13 years. Despite using drugs, I was able to achieve some of my life’s goals:
I graduated from Anacostia High School in 1984 and completed the Certified Dental Assistant program at Georgetown School of Science and Arts in 1986.
That was before addiction took over my life and caused me to experience heartaches, headaches, hopelessness, and homelessness. My last run with drugs took a terrible toll on my life. I abandoned my boyfriend and my two beautiful children for several weeks, and remember looking in the mirror asking myself, “Why are you living like this?” I found Narcotics Anonymous in November 1995.
After going to detox, I began my own process of attending NA meetings, getting a sponsor and believing that a miracle was coming my way. A counselor named Reggie Jones told me about a program called New Endeavors by Women. I will never forget the joyful feeling in my soul that my prayers were being answered.
I came to New Endeavors on January 10, 1996. The program gave me hope and a sense of direction. New Endeavors taught and showed me that I could become a productive member of society, a better mother, co-worker, daughter and friend. I was not used to being around or living with so many women, as I was the only daughter my parents had. With the strict rules and responsibilities at New Endeavors, I learned to be accountable to other people and accountable to myself. My case manager, Robin Harper, took time to mold me back to being a beautiful black woman. I stayed at New Endeavors for six months, and then moved to a supportive housing program to further my recovery and reconnect with my children.
Within one year of being at New Endeavors by Women, I learned to take control of my life again. I did not have the desire to use drugs anymore, and I moved to permanent housing with my children. With sobriety and independence, I was also experiencing greater opportunities in my life. I met and married a wonderful man, Ira Lindsay Jr., now my husband of nine years. I gave birth to another son, Ira Lindsay III, and am a home owner of ten years. I am employed at Anchor Mental Health of Catholic Charities, as a Senior Community Support Specialist/Addiction Counselor. I also work part-time as Support Staff at New Endeavors by Women—a position I’ve held for nine years.
Finding help and relying on my strong support system helped me turn my life around. I am especially grateful to my family for not giving up on me; my sponsor Antoinette Jones, who has been in my life for 12 years; and, Ms. Steptoe and Ms. Popit at New Endeavors by Women, for encouraging me to stay teachable, and for giving me a chance at a second chance.
