I am Women’s Bean Project: Felicia

I first became involved with Women’s Bean Project on October 23, 2019. Jessica and Colleen came to the parole office and told me and a group of other women about it. There were probably 10 other women there and I was the only one who got the chance to work there; I am very proud of myself because of that.

I am very thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program. I’m not going to lie, there are times where I feel like giving up but at this point in my life, that is not an option. I have come way too far and this is where I am supposed to be right now.

My life is different today because the Bean Project gave me the opportunity to continue to learn new things every day and grow into an independent, responsible woman. This opportunity has made getting up and getting to work a priority, which has always been a struggle for me. I was an angry, rebellious teenager who struggled with authority figures. I have learned to manage conflict without getting defensive or taking things personal; I have learned to let things roll off my back.

My goals for the future are to stay employed and to never forget everything I learned while being at the Bean. There have been negative life events in my life that have required me to move forward. I never want to go back and instead keep building my life. I’m determined to finally be on my own and independent, have my own place, be a mom and a role model. I want to be happy; wake up every morning, go to work and live my life.