Drugs stole everything from Julie—her children, her home, her job, her self-esteem, her freedom. The YWCA helped her get them all back.

For 20 years, Julie was a drug addict. Eventually, the shock of being arrested and losing her infant son to foster care "began a road to recovery that changed my life—a road lined with many angels along the way."

Julie was referred to Project Reunite at YWCA Pathways for Women in Lynnwood, which helps women recover from drug addiction and reunite with their children. Counselors offered one-on-one support for Julie's recovery, helped her navigate the legal system and find affordable housing. She earned her high school diploma and entered a state-sponsored program to move people off welfare through training for well-paying jobs in high-tech. Governor Gary Locke handed Julie her diploma.

Today, Julie has a good job, strong skills, a confident attitude and a home for herself and both her kids.

"Project Reunite and the YWCA saved my life and helped me put my family back together," she says. "Thank you to everyone who supports the YWCA. Thanks for giving me and my kids a second chance to create a strong, healthy family."