My name is Valdemar Flores. I have been out of prison for about 7 months. I just served 2 ½ year for possession of methamphetamine. The hardest part of doing time was not being part of my daughters lives.

When I agreed to participate in the Crossroads transitional housing program I did not know what to expect! I have never been a religious person and I was nervous and scared.

I saved every receipt to show how my money was being spent. I asked if it was ok if my kids could spend the night. I think I started to irritate some the program people. Finally I was told to relax and just take care of myself and my responsibilities.

As of June 5th I will have worked at my job for 1 year, but I have better news. My oldest started staying with me in December. This  is part of the custody order. She can stay with me the 2nd semester of school. I would like to have both of my girls with me full time, in fact my oldest wants to live with me permanently. I have just started talking with a lawyer about this.

I raised my girls since they were babies and have always been part of their lives. I can't wait to be able to say my daughter lives with me. And I hope to one day have my youngest living with me.

If it was not for Crossroads and the other program members and of course my family, I would have messed up along time ago. Crossroads gave me a place to call my own and trusted in me. You will never know how hard it was to take this all in! I still have a hard time with it all.

I decided to join Westminster Presbyterian Church, it was my decision. I have never regretted joining Crossroads, if it was not for them I probably would not have lasted a month. They are helping me to get my life back on track, by trusting me.

I will always be grateful to Pastor Roy Fox and Bryan Howard ( A friend that said yes I would join the program but that's another story). And thanks to all the sponsors and partner churches. And thanks to the other guy's in the program. Thanks for being there.

Val