I have learned how to set goals and how to stay focused on them.

The entrance of The Chosen House, inviting and vibrant.

My name is Ronda Shafer. I began Lincoln County Drug Court in September 2014, and it has made a big difference in my life. I have learned how to set goals and how to stay focused on them. I have also had to practice some self-discipline, and that has never been one of my strong points. I have done very well at saving money and using it to reach certain goals.

When I began Drug Court, I had no transportation or my license to go back and forth from Wellston, so l needed a place to stay. I moved into The Chosen House in October 2014. At The Chosen House, I do not have to pay rent or pay utility bills, which allows me to save my money and accomplish my goals quickly to move back home. While living at The Chosen House, I have learned to follow the rules in a structured environment.

This also was a weakness of mine. Anything to do with self-discipline, following the rules, or a structured environment have sent me running the other direction until now. I've been in The Chosen House program for nine months and I have a job, driver's license after 12 years, a car, car insurance, furniture and have moved my trailer house to a better place. I also have a personal relationship with God.

I finally reached my last goal which was to save money to pay my deposit for my electric to move back into my trailer home. By August 1, 2015, I will be in my own home again with my two little wiener dogs where we will live happily ever after.

In the previous 15 years, I couldn't have accomplished what I have done in the last 9 months. My only plan now is to keep moving forward by setting some goals to strive for so can get that sense of accomplishment when I reach them. That feeling of accomplishment is what keeps me going.

That feeling of accomplishment is what keeps me going.

-- Ronda Shafer