It is an honor for me to be invited to share my story with the Sisters of Mercy. I had never heard of this group of special women until I came to Veronica’s Home Mercy in San Bernardino, California.
My name is Chana Misouk, my nationality is Laotion but I was born in the country of Cambodia. My family and I came to America as refugees back in 1979. If any of you have ever watched the movie “The Killing Fields”, that’s exactly what we had to endure.
Chana Misouk
I never finished high school, got married at the age of 18, and shortly after had my first child at the age of 20. In 1995 I applied for a position at Wells Fargo Bank. After a 3 hour test and an interview, I was hired. I stayed there for over thirteen years working my way up from a bank teller to a service manager.
At the age of 33 I started my addiction to methamphetamines. People ask me all the time what was the reason I started drug use. After looking back, I stop making excuses for myself. Clearly, I made a bad choice. That bad choice cost me my family and my self-respect. All of my morals and values went down the drain. My addiction almost cost me my life.
In August of 2012 I lost my children to CFS and to those of you who don’t know, that stands for Children and Family Services. I have 7 children but Aubriella who is now 4 and Saylah who is 2 years old were taken from me. In order for the girls to return back into my custody my case-worker mandated me to quit drugs, take classes, and be in a safe and structured environment. My case-worker and I called Veronica’s Home of Mercy. A staff member did an intake and the very next day I had an interview with the Director. On September 13th, 2012, I was blessed to be accepted into Veronica’s Home. That day was the start of a new life. The staff of Veronica’s Home of Mercy helped me regain my dignity.
Being at Veronica’s Home has given me the opportunity to attend all the court mandated classes in addition to my drug and alcohol program. I had to attend one-on-one counseling for domestic violence as the perpetrator, parenting classes, case management, and life skills classes. There are also classes offered that are not mandated by court so I willingly participated in them; the Mother Read Program and a smoking cessation class. Veronica’s Home is not only a safe place for homeless women but it’s also a drug and alcohol free environment including no smoking for which I am so grateful. I had smoked cigarettes for about 20 years but the day I walked into Veronica’s Home was the day that I had to go “cold turkey”. GED classes (General Education Development-equivalent to High School Diploma) are offered by Betty McGovern rsm, for the women who don’t have their high school diploma. Sister also provides Bible Study and an opportunity to pray. We are encouraged to reflect on our lives, our relationship with God, and to establish personal goals.
Life at Veronica’s Home is very structured. In addition to classes all of the residents and staff have chores. We all help each other out just like in a regular home. Sometimes living in a house with a bunch of women can be overwhelming but at the end of the day we support each other and hold one another up. Anytime I needed to talk the staff was always there with compassion and understanding.
Betty McGovern rsm (far right) and some residents of Veronica’s Home Of Mercy
Not only did I accomplish getting my children returned to me but in December 2013, with the help of Sister Betty, I took my test and received my GED certificate. Sister has taught me that with hard work, confidence in God and myself, most things are possible. In 2014 I continued my drug rehabilitation, counseling, and marriage therapy classes. On July 12, I graduated from the drug program. My husband Homer, and some staff members were my main fans and shared in the joy and delight of my accomplishments. My faith in God and dedication paid off and on October 29, 2014, my CFS case was finally closed. Loving the person that I am becoming and the relationship I have with God, I continued in an after care program and in marriage therapy classes. At the end of November I completed both of those classes. My plans are to attend Valley College and take courses in psychology and child development. Someday I would like to be a social worker. Right now I am volunteering at Veronica’s Home. I have been shown that no matter what mistakes I have made in the past, it’s never too late to make a difference. I want to help others and give back what was so freely given to me.
As I look back now, none of this would be possible if not for the help of Veronica’s Home of Mercy and its staff especially Ms. Debbie and Sister Betty. Not only am I a better parent with love and compassion but I’ve gained a lot of patience also. Being in the home had helped me regain my self-confidence, self-respect, and most of all it has given me the opportunity to regain custody of my children, return home to my husband, and the reunification of my family. I have a closer relationship with my Mom, (Dad has passed away), brother, and sisters who have been such a great support in my recovery. My family and I are so grateful and consider it such a blessing to have been at Veronica’s Home of Mercy. I hope that the entire staff knows how much they have let God use them in the lives of others. Throughout all this experience I have come to believe that the past does not define who you can become.
Chana Misouk
US Province
