D eena Palacioslugo’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and transformation. At 46 years old, she has battled substance abuse most of her life, with her struggles culminating in her recent success in turning her life around through the support of Mary Hall Freedom Village. Deena’s history with addiction includes a long-standing battle with methamphetamine. Between 2018 and 2021, she participated in drug court, which planted the initial seed of recovery in her heart. Her graduation from drug court marked a significant milestone, but unfortunately, her journey back into dependency was swift. The day she graduated, she went to the liquor store, and it didn’t take long before alcohol dependency took hold again. Within a year, she had relapsed into meth use. Her struggles intensified when she was placed on felony probation and subsequently caught another charge, which led her to Mary Hall Freedom Village. This time, her experience was different—something inside her had shifted. Just two days into her stay, she realized she didn’t want to return to her hometown and its toxic environment. Instead, she made a pivotal decision: she applied for transitional housing at MHFV, and five months in, she signed a lease, taking her first real step toward independence. Deena credits her faith and the support of MHFV for her transformation. She asked God to remove her desire to use substances, and through prayer and the blessings of the staff at MHFV, she experienced that change. Today, she proudly celebrates over two years of sobriety, with no pending charges or probation. She has been living in her own place since November 1st, and her life has been fundamentally renewed. Reflecting on her journey, Deena shares, “The blessings haven’t stopped.” Her gratitude is evident, and her story now fuels her desire to give back. She feels called to serve others and has expressed her passion to become part of the MHFV staff, helping women who are still fighting their own battles with addiction. “This job was from God,” Deena affirms, emphasizing that her calling is to share hope and inspire change in others. Her experience proves that with faith, determination, and the right support, recovery is possible—and it can lead to a life filled with purpose and service. Deena Palacioslugo: From Struggle to Service – A Journey of Recovery at Mary Hall Freedom Village
Deena’s story is a testament to the transformative power of grace and community, and she continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience and unwavering hope.
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