A resilient woman in recovery finds stability, self-worth, and a path toward independence through The Sharing Center

A safe place to start again

When Charmaine first walked through the doors of The Sharing Center, she was navigating homelessness and recovery, all while trying to rebuild her life in an unfamiliar place.

“I was lost—not hopeless, but lost,” she said. “I didn’t know Seminole County very well. There weren’t a lot of resources I knew how to access.”

Everything began to shift when her friend Rodney told her about The Sharing Center. She joined the Oasis program, which offers access to showers, laundry facilities, food, and daily support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“Coming here every day is fun. It’s better than the alternative,” Charmaine said with a smile.

Finding connection and self-worth

At first, Charmaine didn’t think anyone would really care. But she quickly learned The Sharing Center was different.

“When I started coming here, I didn’t think anybody liked me,” she shared. “But then they started taking a liking to me. They say they’re proud of me a lot. I’m not used to that, but it works.”

It was that encouragement, repeated and sincere, that helped Charmaine start to believe in herself again.

“The Sharing Center changed my life because they see potential in me. I’m really not used to that. But it’s cool.”

Healing from the inside out

In addition to the Oasis program, Charmaine also began therapy through The Sharing Center’s mental health services. It’s played a vital role in her journey.

“I see a therapist once a week,” she said. “It helps me with my self-esteem, staying on track with my medication, and making sure I’m doing the right thing.”

Therapy has helped her release some of the shame she once carried and taught her how to ask for help, a skill that’s taken time to build.

“I’m still scared to do this, but they’re working on it,” she said. “The Sharing Center has excellent therapists. The shame kind of goes away.”

A holiday memory that brought tears

Though she didn’t always attend events, one moment during the holidays stood out.

“They [The Sharing Center] had a Christmas celebration, and I got emotional,” Charmaine recalled. “I don’t even know why. They were running around with the microphone, being all nice and jovial, and I just started crying. I’m not used to that.”

It was a small moment that meant a lot, because for Charmaine, kindness and community are still new.

Grateful for second chances

Charmaine is open about where she might be without this support.

“If it weren’t for The Sharing Center, I’d probably still be using in Orlando,” she said. “But being here, in front of people who believe in me. I don’t want to disappoint them. I like who I am sober. And so do they.”

She’s most grateful that no one at The Sharing Center gave up on her. “I was a hot mess when I first came, and they know it,” she said. “But now they’re proud of me. And I like that.”

A future she can believe in

Charmaine is currently in the process of being housed, and for the first time in a long time, she’s excited about what’s next.

“I’m looking to the future to have my own place,” she shared. “I haven’t had my own place except for once.”

And her dream is simple—but powerful.

“I want a bathroom and a door that locks. That’ll work. I’ll take that.” 

The heart of The Sharing Center

For Charmaine, it’s the people who make all the difference.

“The people at The Sharing Center are a life lesson,” she said. “Everybody pulls together to make this work. They’re a small-knit group, but they’re strong women who run this place. There really is something special here.”

And to those who support the mission, Charmaine has one message:

“If you don’t donate, they can’t keep doing what they’re doing—and they help people like me. It helps a lot.”

Real stories, real impact
Watch how The Sharing Center is helping families and individuals like Charmaine’s

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