Monique's Survivor Story

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a reporter when I grew up. I loved roller skating with friends and playing in my neighborhood until the streetlights came on. I never dreamed of becoming a drug dealer, addict, or prostitute, but I became all three. At age 13, I began drinking and smoking marijuana after my parents divorced. It was a terrible custody battle, and the loss of my family dynamic left me heartbroken and rebellious.

Soon I would be introduced to hard drugs and I was using meth intravenously by 15. Methamphetamine took my life by storm and I would fight to get sober for the next 20 years. I was lured into sex trafficking when I was 18 after meeting a man that at the time I had no idea was a pimp. He lured me into the lifestyle and I was too naive to understand what having a pimp really meant. After pleading for my life and my freedom, I was set free only after being beaten and scared to death.

The damage that experience caused to my self esteem and image were great. I believed I would never be anything more than a drug-addicted prostitute after going through that. I had given up on having a real life or any hope of sobriety.

But God had other plans for my life! The events of my rescue that lead me safely to The WellHouse were all predestined by God. He used his divine power to strategically place people in my life that would direct me to this amazing ministry. I have been here safe and sober for 11 months now, and I am set to graduate in July 2022.

The WellHouse provided much needed trauma therapy and substance abuse counseling that I know have given me the tools I need to succeed in the future. I have a job I love and I am looking forward to moving into the apartments once I complete the program. I have seen the power of God in this place and I call myself blessed to have found freedom!