From Desperation to New Beginnings
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes
Keri's first introduction to CityLink came through an unexpected path. An old boyfriend was heading there for re-entry training, and he brought her along. Keri had just gotten out of jail herself, and life looked overwhelming. Years of addiction had led her down a dark road, resulting in crime, brokenness, and lost opportunities. But as she stood at the threshold of a new beginning, she knew she was ready to change.
One of her first steps was enrolling in the ChangingGears Vehicle Purchase Program. As part of the process, Keri needed to open a savings account, meet with a financial advisor, and reinstate her driver's license. Each task was a critical piece of building stability—and each accomplishment helped restore her sense of independence. Today, she proudly celebrates nearly nine years of sobriety, a powerful testament to her determination and the grace she found along the way.
The first time Keri went to jail, she admits she felt entitled and unchanged. But when she tried to enter a homeless shelter and learned that a felony charge on her record barred her from staying there, she realized something deeper needed to shift. Discovering she had an outstanding warrant, Keri boldly decided to turn herself in. The judge showed her mercy, dropping the felony charges and sentencing her to only another 90 days. This second time was different—Keri had a completely new attitude. She felt like she had been given a second chance and was ready to embrace it. Upon release, she went straight to Alcoholics Anonymous, clinging to the hope that if she changed, her life would too. Keri firmly believes today that "desperation is a gift," and she reminds others, "If nothing changes, nothing changes."
Through her connection at CityLink, Keri learned about ChangingGears. She was working as a manager at a nearby Dollar Tree—a job she could walk to from her parent's house—but she dreamed of more. With the help of the ChangingGears Purchase Program, Keri received a reliable car she lovingly named Little Betty Blue. This car didn't just help her get to work—it helped her move into a home with her two daughters and take a better job. Since 2018, Betty Blue faithfully carried her through every step of her new life.
She credits the people she met—Eric, Rob, and the incredible volunteers—for encouraging her every step of the way. From the front desk of CityLinke to the ChangigGears garage, everyone made her feel supported, cared for, and valued. Keri even faithfully returned for regular oil changes, determined to take the best care of Little Betty Blue—and it paid off. Betty Blue still runs great today and blesses her youngest daughter with reliable transportation. Keri reflects on how essential financial training and budgeting support were to her success. Sitting down with a financial advisor made a profound difference, helping her manage her money wisely for the first time.
Today, Keri is a proud Claims Specialist at a local roofing company, where she's worked for four years. Her daughters, now 23 and 21, are thriving as well. Her oldest works for Dancing Horses Theater, and her youngest is about to turn 21 while driving Betty Blue. Keri is happily married and cherishes every new chapter she has built from the ground up with the help of the supportive people and services put in her life when she was so ready for change.
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering the CityLink and ChangingGears programs, Keri doesn't hesitate:
"Just do it. There's no reason not to. These programs will help you be a better person and reach your goals. I had destroyed my life, and the holistic approach at CityLink helped me rebuild it. It doesn't matter how bad you've screwed up—there is HOPE."
Today, Keri sponsors others through AA and proudly refers everyone she meets to CityLink and ChangingGears. She is passionate about offering strength and HOPE to anyone willing to take the first step—because she knows firsthand how life-changing that step can be.
