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In the tapestry of our family, Glenda (our mother, born /Gwendolyn Carter) was the radiant thread that wove joy, love, and laughter into every corner of our lives. As the mother of three—Javonnie, Harold “Junior,” and Dessiree—her nurturing spirit defined the very essence of maternal warmth.
In the realm of social services, she dedicated herself to helping others, embodying a compassion that went beyond words. Yet, her real superpower was her infectious laughter, a melody that echoed through every room and brought sunshine to even the gloomiest days. She was the funniest person in any gathering, and her joy was as boundless as her love.
Generosity flowed from her like a gentle river. She would give you the shirt off her back, and if she had ten dollars, you could count on receiving eight. Her creativity extended to the kitchen, where she conjured magic with food, and to the canvas, where her artistic talents manifested in beautiful drawings.
Swimming was not just an activity but a source of pure joy for her, a passion she shared with us kids. Her love extended to nature’s wonders—butterflies, peacocks, and pussy willows held a special place in her heart. Her collection of boa constrictors added a unique touch to our home, a reflection of her adventurous spirit.
In the realm of recreation, she wielded a customized pool stick with finesse, and her mastery over long whips could snap a frog right out of the water. A former go-go dancer, she lit up the dance floor with grace and rhythm. Her costumes, crafted by her mother, were a testament to her vibrancy and love for life.
Her divorce from our abusive father marked a turning point, unleashing a period of struggle with addiction. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that addiction did not define her whole life, nor mine. Our Mother’s legacy is one of boundless love, resilience, and the indelible mark of a mother who gave her children the best world she could.
Under her guidance, we experienced the beauty of rafting, the patience of fishing, and the magic of creating something from nothing. Guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and rats became part of our family because she wanted us to explore and cherish whatever sparked joy in our hearts.
As we navigate life without her physical presence, her memory lives on as the epitome of a mother—selfless, loving, and the very best. We miss her dearly, and in every act of kindness, laughter, and creativity, her spirit dances alongside us, a reminder of the extraordinary woman she was.
The year 2022 brought a personal tragedy when I lost my brother to drugs, reigniting the profound calling that had initially inspired Glenda’s Garden. It reminded me that not everyone has the luxury of prevention, or they may not have been open to it. Nevertheless, everyone deserves the opportunity to find their way through the challenges of addiction.
Understanding the journey of Glenda’s Garden requires acknowledging the painful origins that many organizations share—a foundation built on personal pain, sorrow, and significant loss.
In 1992, my mother fell victim to a tragic murder, and to this day, her case remains unsolved. At that time, we lacked the tools to rescue her from that perilous life. However, our unwavering objective is to channel everything we have learned since then into aiding those who can still be helped.
In September 2022, the Portland Police took the disheartening step of closing its Cold Case Homicide Unit, leaving unresolved cases, including my mother’s, in a state of uncertainty. The closure of this unit casts a shadow on the possibility of ever discovering who took her from us. Her case, identified by number 92-44898, remains a haunting mystery in Portland, Oregon.
Mission and Services
Glenda’s Garden is a non-congregate transitional shelter initiative, deviating from traditional emergency shelters and transitional housing. It is a pioneering program designed to offer support to women with substance use disorders, dependency Issues and other addiction-related matters. Our commitment is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to empower women during their journey towards healing.
Throughout their stay, participants undergo comprehensive preparation for independent living. This includes coaching on Tenant/Landlord laws, setting occupancy expectations, grocery shopping guidance, budgeting skills improvement, online bill payment techniques, and accessing documents online.
Upon successful preparation, our focus shifts to connecting participants with long-term housing solutions. Assistance may range from facilitating employment opportunities to linking them with wrap around services, as well as managing relationships with landlords. Recognizing that readiness for permanent housing involves distinct stages, Glenda’s Garden aims to
break the cycle that often hinders individuals from achieving permanent housing. To achieve this, our program incorporates regular visits from support professionals, including recovery coaches, peer support specialists, and mental health workers.
These professionals create a supportive environment,
offering clients the opportunity to discuss their lives and explore avenues for positive change.
Program Design
Glenda’s Garden stands as a beacon of hope for women, cultivating a sanctuary where despair is replaced with opportunity. It nurtures the spirit, offering a safe haven for women to regain their footing and rediscover strength. Through support, care, and empowerment, Glenda’s Garden grows not just homes but futures filled with promise and resilience.
We extend a compassionate hand, providing a dual approach to healing through hotel shelter and transitional housing.
Inclusivity Statement:
At Glenda’s Garden, we embrace inclusivity, recognizing the unique path to recovery for each individual. Our program is open to women, trans, and non-binary persons, fostering an environment of understanding and respect for diverse experiences.
Program Focus:
Our innovative approach involves placing individuals in different phases of recovery into temporary hotel accommodations. This includes those completing addiction programs, seeking support during active addiction, or experiencing homelessness. We believe this interim support is vital for sustainable progress.
Clarification on Housing Placement:
The hotel accommodations provide a supportive space for those not yet prepared for conventional housing due to ongoing recovery challenges. A gradual transition is often key to long-term success.
Family Considerations:
While our primary focus is on supporting individuals, we welcome those with partners or children, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. Safety will always come first, particularly with domestic partnerships.
Our Commitment:
Glenda’s Garden is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and inclusive community where all individuals, regardless of gender identity or family structure, can find the support they need on their journey to recovery.
If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for visiting Glenda’s Garden.
Please come again soon. Let’s change lives together!
"In the tapestry of life, the threads of compassion weave the most rewarding patterns. Helping others isn't just a selfless act; it's a symphony of fulfillment where the giver and receiver harmonize in the melody of shared humanity, creating a masterpiece of joy that echoes through the soul."