OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA — This Mother’s Day, Kristina Jones, a mother in recovery, marked a significant milestone in her journey toward a better future. After struggling with drug addiction for nearly 20 years, Jones has found new hope with the help of recovery programs and community support, including the ReMerge program and OK SNAP Works.
A Struggle with Addiction and Legal Trouble
Before having her four-year-old son, Kristina Jones was caught in a cycle of addiction and legal trouble. With nonviolent criminal records, she was unsure of how she would be able to care for her child. But when she was introduced to ReMerge, an innovative diversion program for high-risk, high-need mothers, things began to change.
“We’re a diversion program for high-risk, high-need mothers. We are the alternative to prison,” said Erin Engelke, CEO of ReMerge. ReMerge works with organizations like Oklahoma Human Services’ OK SNAP Works to provide job training and credentials to participants, helping them reintegrate into society and break the cycle of addiction.
A New Career Path: Truck Driving
With the support of OK SNAP Works, Jones was able to pursue her dream of becoming a commercial truck driver. OK SNAP Works covered the cost of her tuition at Superior Truck Driving Academy, where she recently earned her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Doug Webb, the Director of Operations at the academy, shared his admiration for Jones, saying, “I know she was a one-and-done, and that alone says a lot about her work ethic. It’s hard to be a one-and-done.”
Jones herself is proud of her accomplishments, especially her ability to master the skills required for truck driving. “It’s really all about safety. Learning how to park it and do what they’re doing, it wasn’t too hard,” she said.
ReMerge’s Support and Jones’ Growth
ReMerge has played an integral role in Jones’ recovery journey. They celebrate her resilience, noting that after every setback, she has come back stronger than ever. “The wonderful thing about Kristina, though, is that after every setback, she has come back stronger than ever before, and I couldn’t be prouder of her today and where she is—the mother that she is and the future that she has ahead of her,” said ReMerge.
Jones attributes much of her success to the support of her family, the justice system, and the programs that have helped her along the way. She credits her recovery to these resources, which allowed her to break free from the cycle of addiction and pursue a new life for herself and her son.
OK SNAP Works: A Growing Resource
OK SNAP Works, a program designed to help individuals receive education and training to gain marketable skills, has been crucial to Jones’ success. Currently serving about 500 participants per month, the program is expanding and looking for new partners to support its mission.
OK SNAP Works pays for half of the tuition for participants in job credentialing programs, including truck driving licenses, nursing degrees, and more.
Organizations interested in partnering with OK SNAP Works can contact them at [email protected].
A Brighter Future Ahead
Kristina Jones’ story is a testament to the power of community support and second chances. With a Commercial Driver’s License in hand and a promising future ahead, she has opened a new chapter in her life, one filled with hope and possibilities for herself and her son. Through the support of ReMerge and OK SNAP Works, Jones has demonstrated that recovery and transformation are possible—even after years of struggle.
