Darcy came to St. Francis House the summer of 2019 as a homeless client. She was struggling with addiction, and her mother and stepfather – at their wits end – had “dropped” her in Puyallup. The anxiety of being homeless in an unfamiliar city only accelerated her addiction. During this time, she fell in with a group that made her chances of recovery even more difficult.
Until Spring of 2021, Darcy had a car that she used as shelter. She was often taken advantage of so others could share the shelter of her car. To say Darcy was abused during her time Puyallup is an understatement. Over nearly 2 years we saw her; repeatedly beaten and sexually assaulted, she was as thin as a rail and her hair was falling out in clumps. When she lost her car, she hit rock bottom.
Today, Darcy, having successfully completed rehab and maintained her sobriety, has started taking care of her past legal issues through court ordered community service with St. Francis House. She has also gained a healthy amount of weight, reconciled with her family and is now enrolled in the Bates Cosmetology Program. St. Francis has not only provided Darcy with clothing and other personal necessities, it has also provided counseling and encouragement, restoring her dignity and purpose in this world.