Teresa Payne’s Story

Teresa, mother of three boys, had tried to get sober many times, experienced homelessness, and was in and out of jail for several years. In addition to not being present in her boy’s lives, Teresa’s addiction led to an infection of the heart, a fentanyl overdose, time in rehab, and periods of sobriety followed by relapses. In November of 2022, she had seven different warrants for her arrest and knew she needed help. Eventually, she decided to move back to Russellville where she was introduced to her case manager in the 100 Families Initiative of Pope County. From retrieving her previously lost birth certificate, to attending court alongside her, her case manager never stopped providing support.

Because of all the hard work she has put forth, her relationship with her children is being restored. She has been present for her boys’ first day of school, for basic training, football games, and homecoming. Her boys are extremely proud of her, and Teresa is beyond thankful to be in their lives now. Theresa's warrants have been resolved and she is currently holding a steady job, where she recently received a promotion. On November 9, 2023, Teresa will celebrate her one-year anniversary of being clean and sober. Recently, she moved from an apartment into a three-bedroom house that she shares with her sister. Teresa has big plans! She's currently working towards obtaining a car, pursuing her GED and wants to become a Peer Support Specialist when she reaches her two-year sobriety goal. Stories like this one are possible because of a supportive community, involved churches like Journey Church, and a personal drive to be better. We are incredibly proud of Teresa’s past accomplishments and the ones to come.