Success Stories

"Give Yourself a Chance"
Pamela Wyatt came to Volunteers of America Delaware Valley's Garrett House after time spent in jail on a drug charge. Her success comes from leaving a better person than when she arrived or as she puts it, "I left willing to do the right thing; willing to change my life."

Pamela is originally from Atlantic City. And, while her mother was also an addict, Pamela maintains that she was always there for her and that her childhood was a good one. Although in talking to her, it's easy to see that her life is focused squarely on the future and she doesn't seem to have much interest in talking about the past. After leaving Garrett House she returned to Atlantic City to her support system of her children, ranging in age from 13- 24, and her sisters. She went into counseling and put in a lot of applications. Within four months she was working two jobs and within six months she had her own apartment. "The key for me was getting motivated and not getting bored."

Now she wants to help women and children who may be heading down the same path as she once was. "My advice to other women is to give yourself a chance; serve a God and have faith."

She is grateful for her time spent at Garrett House and the doors that were opened there for her. "The staff members were willing to help me and didn't make me feel like less."

She is adament that women need to be more powerful and be good examples for their children, which is exactly what she is doing now. "I just want to give back what I took away from the community."