In Her Own Words – “I’m thankful and grateful and blessed. If not for Pathway Homes, I would be dead, guaranteed.” by Judy Fitzsimmons.
My name is Judy Fitzsimmons. I have been housed through Pathway Homes since 2022, but I first got connected when COVID hit in 2020. I was homeless; living in a tent with my dog, Karma; hiding, trying to get away from a very abusive domestic partner. My life sucked pretty much in every way.
I was also recovering from a heroin addiction, and I went to a methadone clinic every day, and that was my first connection to Pathway. I had the opportunity to stay in a hotel, and I was rather grateful.
The last couple of years since I’ve been housed by Pathway Homes, my mental health status is something I’ve really delved into. I started focusing on me, which I’ve never done in a positive way. My case manager has guided me towards where I need to be and who I need to be seeing. That’s something I wasn’t ready to do before. I made all my doctor’s appointments. I am getting a mammogram for the first time in 15 years, and brand-new teeth through Medicaid. My hair is growing back, and my alopecia is going away.
My life has changed in every way possible since Pathway Homes. I can’t say it hasn’t been a struggle. I work on sobriety, I’m grounded, I feel safe. There’s a mission, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
Every single part of me has changed—emotionally and spiritually. I am building back relationships with my daughters, and you know, I’m staying consistent. And that’s all because of Pathway Homes. I imagine what I could do if I put so much energy into positive things like giving back to the community.
When I was going through my domestic abuse issues and I was put in the hospital, Fairfax County Shelter took my dog under their care program. No questions asked. That was a big fear of mine. My dog Karma; she’s my ride or die. The shelter housed her, gave her up-to-date shots, fixed everything and when I got out of the hospital, they gave me my pup back.
I mean, my dog, my safety, my home, it’s everything that nurtures what’s open out there for me that I closed a long time ago. I wanted to give back the kindness I received, and I’ve gotten close to the Animal Shelter. I volunteer twice a month and pick up huge orders from the animal shelter, and I distribute them at the homeless camps for the animals, and I also give out vouchers. I also try to recruit people to volunteer at the rabies clinics and the different things that the animal shelter does.
My counselor has been with me from the beginning, holding my hand and helping me walk the walk, but also gives me the space to figure out what I’m doing. I’m thankful and grateful and blessed. If not for Pathway Homes, I would be dead, guaranteed. I’d probably have another run, but I wouldn’t have had another recovery.
Thank you, Pathway Homes. Love you.
