My name is Stacie Ford and I am 33 years old.  I dropped out of high school in 2007.  I was a senior.  I’ve always dealt with mental health issues and substance abuse, including alcoholism.  I tried many times to pursue my GED—seven times to be exact.  I could not stay focused and lacked the motivation and determination to do so.  I would go to the GED classes offered, start to study, and then find other things to do. 

For a long time, I put everything else ahead of my education.  I was lost in the world.  In 2018, I lost custody of my three children, and again, I never made it a priority to regain custody.  It was 2022 when I realized a pattern in my life, a chain, and I knew I had to break it.

I became a client at the Shepherd’s House in Danville, Kentucky, a 6-month rehabilitation program.  I was almost 30 days in when I realized I could be so much more than I had settled for my whole life.  I asked my peer support Olivia if I could get into GED classes they offered through the Boyle County Adult Education Program.  I started a new journey in my life. 

I began to study three to four days a week with Ms. Gail.  She encouraged me every time I would put myself down.  She pushed me to my full potential.  On July 7, I passed my last test and received my GED!  It filled my heart with so much joy and accomplishment to know I could do anything I set my mind to.  Along the way through the program, I regained custody of my children, and on July 15, I graduated from Shepherd’s House! 

I applied for college at Campbellsville University and got accepted on July 19.  I am very goal-oriented and am determined to further my education.

I am aware of all the work I did to be here today, but I also know that if it wasn’t for the encouragement from Ms. Beth and Ms. Gail, I would not have seen this through.  Support means everything to a person who is struggling!  Thank you to the Boyle County Adult Education teachers and thank you to Shepherd’s House for giving me a new life with a bright future.

— Stacie Ford