1028 E. Lincoln Hwy, P.O. Box 1224, Coatesville PA 19320 (610) 383-0930
                                                                                   27 South Church St, West Chester PA 19382 (610) 918-7088
                                                 To refer individuals to receive our services please see our site at ccwsmedical.org

Testimonials...
One way of knowing we are making a life changing difference in Chester County is through our client's sharing their personal stories. As you read these please remember these are stories from the heart. These stories describe how someone who was struggling with their life until they began to meet with someone at CCWS Medical and found freedom to walk in wholeness. This freedom means different things to different women. Allow me to introduce you to Claire, Veronica and Christol...

My New Beginning, My New Second Chance, by Claire

My life was spiraling out of control. I had been walking further and further down a path of drugs and self destruction. At that moment I believe God sent me the most crucial wake up call, a spiritual awakening in a way that I could not have imagined. I went to the doctors and he said “I have some news for you, and I don’t know how you are going to take it,” as he walked into my room at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia, “you are 11 weeks pregnant.” My mind raced and mixed emotions filled my heart. I threw some silent questions up to God. Why now? What will I do? Is it too late to change my ways?

“You know there are other options.” The doctor provoked my train of thought with that comment! Immediately, I knew there was only one option for me. There was only one logical solution, I must change my ways. I must get clean and I must put back the pieces of my shattered life. The next day I had myself admitted into Doylestown Hospital to wait for a spot at a drug and alcohol detox facility. Four days later I was on my way to Bowling Green Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. My feelings were so mixed I was overwhelmed yet calm. I was fearful, but excited, excited to start a new life. I couldn’t wait for my new beginning, my second chance at living.

I had a determination to change my ways that I had never had in 13 years of active drug use and negative behaviors. I had finally found faith in not only a higher power, but in myself. I stayed at Bowling Green for 41 days. I worked the hardest at changing and becoming a respectable woman than ever before. There was still work to be done and through all the wonderful supports I had in my life. I heard about a program in Coatesville called the Samara House. I came to Samara House but because of insurance problems, I had to go home for seven weeks to fight for a spot at this facility. I came back still clean and still determined to take the necessary actions and steps to remain clean. I had made a commitment to complete this program and nothing, nothing was going to stop me!

When I returned to The Samara House a fellow client and my counselor informed me of a parenting program that got nothing but praise from the women who had gone before me. Before I could even call Chester County Women's Services, Ms. Elvira was picking the women up to go to a beautiful Christmas luncheon thrown by her church, Ebenezer Full Gospel Baptist. During that luncheon I got to meet the infamous Ms. Elvira I had heard so many wonderful things about. She was as warm and welcoming as I could have hoped for and the next day I called and made my first appointment.

What I love about Chester County Women’s Services is how non-judgmental and caring the women are who work there. I have never felt looked down upon or judged. I have only felt love and understanding. When I feel down or somewhat hopeless they are in my corner helping to make me feel like the respectable woman I have been working so hard to become. A woman in my position can never have too many support systems! Chester County Women’s Services gives me the tools and the courage to be the best mother I can. God put this program in my life for a reason and I am so grateful for all the love and support I get. Through all the great things I get out of The Samara House and the support from Chester County Women’s Services I have come such a long way. I know I can do anything I put my mind to!

*Since Claire shared this story she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Aidan in March.

I was walking along the street one evening, it was icy outside from a snowstorm the previous evening. I slipped and fell, twisted my ankle and hurt my leg. I went to the emergency room because I was in pain. While at the emergency room the nurse asked if there was any chance of me being pregnant. Of course I said no but in my heart I knew that I was. The test came back positive. I was surprised because at that point in my life I wasn’t taking care of myself physically or mentally . . The next day I went to the doctor for my first pre-natal visit. The doctor asked what I planned to do and my first thought was abortion. I already have five other children that are not in my care. What did I need with another child? Already having knowledge of what drugs and alcohol can do to a pregnant mother I continued to live my destructive lifestyle. I prayed to God to protect myself and my baby. Again abortion came to mind but so much time had gone by that abortion just wasn’t possible. In order to give myself and my unborn baby a fighting chance I began looking into drug and alcohol treatment. On July 1 ^st I went to Bowling Green Rehabilitation for 21 days. I then went to a women and children’s facility in Coatesville. I began looking outside the facility for more help. A client at the facility told me about Chester County Women’s Services, she said they offered parenting classes and one on one counseling. I decided to go see for myself. I met a woman named Elvira Gibbs. She began giving me one on one counseling sessions. At first I was skeptical because I was afraid of myself. Mrs. Elvira took an interest in me, as she does with all her clients. She made me feel special and excepted. I was not judged for my past. I began telling her my life story and what led me to CCWS Medical. She began praying with me as well as for me. I had a court date coming up for my children. I was pretty nervous about going. I stood a very good chance of losing my children permanently. I was given another chance to be the best mother I knew I could be. I thank God that he saw fit to allow me to be a mother to my children again. On September 16, 2005 I gave birth to a 7 lb baby girl named Khayla Monet Cooper. Just one look was all it took, any doubts I had about becoming a mother again faded away. When CCWS found out that I gave birth they provided me with a beautiful layette. It helped me a great deal because I had very little for my daughter. I began going to church with Mrs. Elvira and at that time I turned my will and my life over to the care of God. I felt so at home at church and I felt accepted and that’s where I needed to be. During that time my housing came through and I completed the drug and alcohol facility after 6 months. Prior to coming home I was kind of saddened that I didn’t have a home church. I began attending New Hope Baptist Church and it just so happens that it’s the sister church of Ebenezer Full Gospel Baptist Church which I attended with Mrs. Elvira. I found my church home. I joined the church and on March 4, 2006 I was baptized. It feels good knowing that I’m not alone. I have God in my life. Every step and decision I make I run it through God first. He guides me now. I no longer do things my way I do them his way. I am currently waiting to move into my new home along with my daughter. In June of 2006 my other children will come home. All these positive things have happened to me I believe because I turned my life and will over to God. I know through him anything is possible.

*Since Veronica wrote her story she has moved into her housing, continues to worship with her new church family, and stays in contact with Elvira.

My life was going good. I had just graduated from cosmetology school. I was all set for my new life to be on the right track. However, my body did not feel right. Therefore, I went to Planned Parenthood to take a test I thought I did not need. Low and behold I was six weeks pregnant, with my second child . I felt as though I was standing on the edge of a cliff. The final push came when I was in trouble of losing my apartment. I went to welfare for help because I lost a job before I had even started. The help they gave me was OK, but not quite enough. At this point I threw in the towel and went back home .

A friend of mine had told me about CCWS. How she was taking a class to ready herself for parenthood and upon completion of the class you receive a crib. I thought that was good. In the beginning it was all about a free crib. However, once I called and met with Lucy I knew it would be different . I learned so much from taking these classes that the center offers that I feel as though I am a new mom, not someone with two children.

When I was further along in my pregnancy I thought I would not make it to class. However, with the help of the Lord I made it every week. When I gave birth to my son, I did not want to miss too many days so I called and was reassured that I would be fine. I relaxed and got some rest. About a month after that I found a job; I was happy. I would finally have the money to pay for my school boards to get my hair license once I started working. However, my hours conflicted with my parenting class. Therefore, I sat down with Sandy and she said that perhaps I could meet with Lucy and do a one-on-one parenting class for the remainder of the course. That worked out great!

Well, when I sent the application out for my state boards it was sent back due to a signature date and the date of the notary. Now I am back to square one in the process but with the help of God and people at CCWS, I have kept things in perspective. I look to the brighter side. Keeping my head high and my goal in mind, I can do anything. I am continuing my learning at CCWS to help raise two beautiful well-rounded individuals.

Thank you all at Chester County Women’s Services for all you do!”