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News - 2007
Alumni Profile: Deynia Edwards
Roseland, NJ, Jul 15, 2007 - Deynia Edwards strives each day to increase the number of individuals the CEC Alumni Association assists-not only because it is now her job, but because it is her way of expressing her gratitude for what the Association did for her. When Ms. Edwards left Delaney Hall in July 2001, she was ready to face the world with a different perspective. She had learned patience and humility throughout her stay; she also learned that to sustain her recovery, she needed to surround herself with positive people who were living the life that she emulated. Armed with this knowledge, she had all the tools necessary to succeed in the community. However, it was the Alumni Association that provided her with the support and encouragement that she needed to use those tools on a daily basis. "I made the Alumni Association my main foundation," she recalls, "It taught me how to network and how to be supportive of others while assuring that I seek out the support I need. It has given me the opportunity to actively participate in my recovery and has, at times, been a safe haven for me. As an active member, I am growing more and more each day."
Inspired by her experience, Ms. Edwards began volunteering for the Alumni Association. Her passion, commitment, and work ethic were quickly recognized as an asset to the program, and in August 2005, she was hired as the Assistant Director of the Alumni Resource Center. She credits this job and her involvement in the Association as critical to the new life she has achieved-a life that is remarkably different from the one she was entangled in upon her introduction to CEC.
Ms. Edwards arrived at Delaney Hall as a result of an addiction and resulting criminal behavior. When she entered the facility, she noticed a sign barring the word "hope". She relays that at that moment she realized that she had an opportunity to finally live up to her potential. She admits that the journey was difficult, but with the help of staff, particularly Ms. Falecia Butler, she was able to overcome her prior attitude toward recovery. Ms. Edwards fondly remembers Ms. Butler's advice, "Just dump the garbage that you are holding inside; only then will your inner child help you find out who you are and teach you about you." Through the classes, groups, and lectures she attended at the facility, she honed her ability to reflect on her past and gained a greater understanding of herself and her abilities. Phrases that remain with her today, such as "pain is mandatory, suffering is optional," allowed her to muster up the courage to face her fears and begin to build an admirable life.
Today, Ms. Edwards tenaciously works to improve the lives of CEC alumni, as she has a unique understanding of the plight of the reentry population. "As ex-offenders, we are extraordinary people trying to become ordinary once again," she explains. "I tell our alumni, 'Don't give up on your dreams; things aren't as bad as they seem. You'll find the hope that you need; just keep fighting and you are sure to succeed." When speaking to current residents, she advises them to absorb as much information as they can, even if they don't feel they can utilize it at the moment. She knows that the residents, just as she did, will eventually realize just how invaluable the information proves to be.
Deynia Edwards wishes to thank CEC President and CEO John Clancy for his role in her recovery. "Thanks to him, on June 8th, 2006 I will be celebrating 3 years of abstinence from drug use and criminal activities. I would just like to thank Mr. Clancy for designing the treatment facility that helped me so much." Ms. Edwards, who has the gift of expounding at length the benefits of CEC and the Alumni Association, can just as easily give a succinct explanation of why she is so dedicated to the company and the cause. Ask her the origin of her passion and she will smile and simply state, "CEC saved my life."
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