When Janie lost her grandparents, mom, and sister, life went into a downward spiral. She became addicted to heroin and ended up in an abusive relationship.
Janie wasn’t allowed to work or leave the house. Her driver license expired and while trying to escape her abuser, she was pulled over. Driving without a valid license led to fines she couldn’t pay, and her license was suspended.
Janie left that relationship and entered recovery. Without a driver license, and living in a rural area, her options were very limited. The fines and collection fees were a huge obstacle.
Janie connected with NJP at a legal clinic in partnership with her tribe. With NJP’s help, the court took her fines out of collections, set up a reasonable repayment plan, and made it possible to renew her license!
“There is this whole new world of opportunities,” Janie said. “Once you hit rock bottom, you feel that there is nowhere to turn. But there is still hope out there. Now I’m able to attend cosmetology school and have a chance to work towards a better life.”