"Take it day by day-- some days are harder than others."
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Tammy has an addiction to drugs and it has sent her to prison 16 times, the first time she was sentenced at the age of 22.
"Since then, it's been a revolving door. I've been in numerous programs."
Nothing really worked until she landed at the Geo Re-Entry Program in Merced County. Where her husband, Richard, volunteers his time-- he is also a graduate.
"If I could help one person get to where I'm at right now I feel like I'm doing something for my higher power."
The program is required by probation and it is designed to rehabilitate and restructure adverse ways of thinking.
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Tammy has been in the program since April and is learning new skills to get a job someday, but above all-- learning how to cope with loss.
"I have to say, I hit my bottom."
Tammy gave up much of her life to addiction and two years ago, while Tammy was serving time-- her one and only daughter, Catrina was murdered. She was just 23-years-old and a mother of a young child.
"I had a lot of guilt and shame for that, but I always thought I would have that chance to make it up to her and make amends with her."
It was Tammy's catalyst for change and this program gave her the support she needed.
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"I can be living amends and make amends to her even without her being here."
Tammy is in the third phase of her recovery-- if all goes as planned, she will graduate in October.
"It doesn't end with graduation, don't get me wrong-- this is an ongoing thing, I'm gonna be an addict for the rest of my life."
A daily struggle but now Tammy has control.