2025 LYD Award

My name is Sandra Christina Schroeder, everyone calls me Tina.

When I was born, I weighed 4lbs and had health issues early in my life. The doctors did not think I would live past the second week. During my younger childhood 5-8 I had endured some trauma, I had no control over, I was molested by my uncle, and a babysitter. Babysitter went to jail. I did not tell anyone about my uncle until I was 32, these things were never really talked about.

Both of my parents struggled with addiction. My dad was an alcoholic, my mother drank, used meth once, and saved in church. My mom never touched anything after giving her life to Jesus, my dad still struggled until a few years ago.

 I was 9 when I first smoked a cigarette, 15 to 16 Marijuana. I was 17 with my first taste of alcohol. 16 to 31 I was using methamphetamine off and, on. From 29 to 31 I was using heroin/opiates every day, I became an IV user my first time at 16.

I had my first son Taylor, at 19. I did my best by staying clean n sober the whole time but after I went right back out, leaving my parents to raise him, eventually giving him to his dad, who kept him from us until cps gave him back, he was 14.  I have had him since living in my home as he’s learning to build his own life. I had number two at 29, Lyle. Because of my addiction, he was with a foster family for 2-1/2 years. I now have both my children with me.

 I was arrested for possession did 6-month in-patient, accepted to drug court and family court and completed both programs. I have held down jobs for over a year and learned things I should have at 16, I got my driver’s license 5 years ago have had my own apartment for 9 years.

I am trying to complete my high school plus program so I can do better at my job by getting more education directed in the recovery community. I am a recovery coach on the REAL TEAM through Reflections Counseling services group/BHASO. I just received my affiliation through the health department. I’ve also completed the certified peer Counseling training; I am a crisis intervention specialist. I want more in my life to provide better for my family, I want to get my high school diploma and continue my education and go into social work/criminal justice.

I am very grateful for this award.