AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Amarillo's Downtown Women's Center has a great track record of helping women get back on their feet and Tuesday seven more women graduated.

One of them took the time to sit down with us and tell her inspiring tale.

Jennifer Pearse, who just so happened to celebrate her birthday today, also celebrated her graduation from the Women's Center, something she said she never imagined years ago.

After 13 years of addiction and alcoholism Jennifer, a self-proclaimed runner, found herself on the street and needing help.

So she contacted the Downtown Women’s Center and got a bed there, it's there she found the support and encouragement she needed to dig out of a hole.

“They empowered me to look for the resources that are out there in this community. The community is very supportive of us and I have three boys, I had every reason to live and couldn't stop until I found someone that was willing to give me a hand up.”

With the support of the Haven House and AA meetings, Jennifer transitioned to ABBA Housing, where she was allowed to have her kids again.

“They kind of step you into having some freedom and independence, they don't just throw you out on the streets and say make it on your own.”

Jennifer now lives in a three bedroom home with her boys, she works with her mother at their locally owned business and plans to go back and finish her senior year of college.

“I'm empowered, I'm esteemed, I'm able to face the real world and know that I don't have to be ashamed or afraid of my past. My past has made me who I am today and for that I can have courage.”

With that courage Jennifer says she can grow as a person.

“With the DWC it was very easy, they keep us accountable and they keep us regulated and we have to know certain guidelines that we have to follow, but without them I wouldn't be this lady sitting here smiling today.”

The Women’s Center still provides support to Jennifer she said anytime she wants to talk to someone, or cry, they are still there for her.