MILWAUKEE — After more than a decade of addiction, one Milwaukee woman is looking to give back to the place that helped her on her journey to sobriety.
Kelly Bentley has experienced lung cancer, addiction, and loss. Despite these hardships, she has kept moving forward. She said she wakes up each day, with a renewed sense of hope.
That hope wasn’t always an easy thing for Bentley.
“It escalated to where I became homeless,” said Bentley. “My children were taken away from me."
One day she decided to change her life around and get help. That's when she found help at Gateway to Change.
Gateway to Change is a rehabilitation center in Milwaukee that offers substance abuse and mental health treatment and resources.
“It makes me tear up, because I am excited and proud of the person I am today,” she said.
Now, Bentley wants to give back to Gateway. She’s starting the conversation around fundraising to help with cosmetic improvements to the Gateway building. Her hope is to restore the building that’s been a part of the community since 2003.
Glenda Hampton is the CEO and Executive Director of Gateway to Change. She has witnessed how far Bentley has come since starting her journey.
“She is an asset to Gateway,” said Hampton. “She was willing to do what she needed to do.”
Hampton said although seeking treatment can be difficult, she encourages those struggling with addiction to seek the help they need.
“I tell them our doors are always open,” said Hampton. “Give themselves a chance.”
Bentley said battling addiction is no easy process, but it’s possible.
“You got to want to do it for yourself,” she said. You can't do it your family, for your children, or your significant other.”
She said the support from her family is what has carried her this far.
“I love my life now and wouldn’t give It back for anything in the world,” said Bentley.
Gateway To Change:
2319 West Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI - 53206 (414) 442-2033
Follow Gateway to Change on Facebook here.