CHANGE OF SCENERY After her breakup, Hughes moved to New Jersey. No longer surrounded by the family that had kept her accountable for her actions, her PCP addiction worsened. She was on a welfare program that required drug testing, so she smoked on days she didn’t have to submit urine. The routine eventually became a chore and she left the program to start dealing. When she moved back home in 2013, Hugh’s mother began noticing the changes in her, such as extreme weight loss. Though worried about her daughter’s lifestyle, she didn’t know the extent of the drug addiction.
After taking Xanax one day, Hughes was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The police of cer at the scene suspected Hughes was using some substance and forced her to give a blood test. When her mother found the results that showed PCP in her system, she confronted Hughes. “She asked me what PCP was and I came clean about my addiction,” Hughes says. “After that, I would catch her just staring at me to make sure I wasn’t high. I didn’t feel comfortable in my house anymore.”
“I’VE SEEN MISS DEAN BUY SHOES FOR CLIENTS OUT OF HER OWN POCKET.” -KIYA HUGHES
A NEW WAY HOME In spite of her family’s disapproval, Hughes’ decision to enter recovery was her own. She was tired of the life she had been living and was ready for a change. Her time in treatment wasn’t always an easy road. She went to multiple centers before nding the LGBTQ Home for Hope, right back in her old neighborhood. “I know God has put me back here to test my strength. I’m back where I started from, but I’m still not using,” she says. Now she serves as coordinator of her program at the LGBTQ Home for Hope. She describes the environment as different than any other program she’s attended, with a relaxed vibe and compassionate staff.
“Miss Dean, the executive director, does more for her clients than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Hughes says. “Usually in a shelter or recovery program, the owner doesn’t care about your individual needs as long as you’re paying your dues. I’ve seen Miss Dean buy shoes for clients out of her own pocket.” The genuine care shown by the staff helps create a family atmosphere. LGBTQ clients feel comfortable and respected. “I see trans women who feel relaxed enough to take off their wigs. They still feel feminine and still get addressed as ‘miss,’” Hughes says, “because there’s acceptance here. There’s love, family and community.”
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