Maria’s journey has been one of resilience, transformation and determination.
Despite facing multiple challenges throughout her life, Maria has made significant strides in making her future brighter.
“I was living in Port Talbot in a one-bedroom. It was a shared house with my partner.
I was selling [drugs] and I got evicted from my property, so we were on the streets for a while.
I always kept myself to myself. I was on my own in the tent by the side of Access Point [in Swansea].
I was on Spice and Heroin at the time but it was a nightmare.”
“I went into Paxton Street first, in the homeless hostel. I stayed there for two years and then I moved up here [Cross Borders].
I stayed here for three and a half years in room seven and moved back to Paxton Street for another two years.
I just happened to move back up here now again which is a blessing.
I’m back home.
I’ve been clean now for five years off heroin.
I’ve been out of prison for five years.
And I haven’t shoplifted for five years, so that’s a blessing aswell.
I’ve changed dramatically. I’ve transformed rapidly”
When asked what’s made a difference to her journey at Cross Borders, Maria said:
“The support from the staff and knowing I’m secure with staff on the premises 24/7 and they’re always here to help.
If I need anything, I just come in and knock the door and speak to staff.
Carys [a Senior Support Worker at The Wallich] comes in every morning, texts us.
She’s a diamond she is Carys.
It’s changed my life.”
“I always study a lot in my room.
I’m just learning a lot of stuff at the moment.
I study Psychology, the brain and a lot of Bible study.
I’m exercising everyday.
I’m walking for an hour every day and doing my yoga.
I’ve got the comfort of my room and my own flat.
I’ve got my own kitchen, living room, bathroom and toilet.
I can study in comfort.
When asked what’s been a significant achievement for her, Maria said:
“I’ve opened my own bank account after 25 years.
I’ve now got a bank account with Nationwide.
I’ve got my account number and sort code but I’m waiting for my card and my pin to come through the post.
So, opening that is amazing.”
“I hope to be able to have a job to help people myself, help the homeless and go down that road.
I’d like to help people with drug problems.
I’m going to see if I can go to university or do a course.
It’s lifted me up so much and turned my life around.
I can’t put it into words actually, it’s too overwhelming what they’ve [the staff at Cross Border Women’s Project] done for me.
I’m happy.”
“It’s been great working with Maria over the years. She has brought a wonderful spiritual energy to the project.
My favourite memory with her is when we attended a music group together, Maria has a wonderful singing voice and a real musical talent with any instrument she played.
To see her confidence grow over the years has been amazing, with Maria now able to attend group sessions and provide really great input and build relationship with peers.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Maria!”