MN Rising

Letters to the Lost: Natalie’s story

How Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge provided one mom the support she needed to care for her daughter

Provided by MN Adult & Teen Challenge

February 13, 2026 at 5:00PM

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge choir performing at the 32nd annual gala

In Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge’s “Letters to the Lost” series, you will hear from those who have experienced addiction and found hope on the other side

When Natalie sought treatment for her addiction, her daughter was a priority. Now on her recovery journey, Natalie’s daughter is a daily reminder of why this journey is so important.

Struggling with addiction

On the surface, Natalie might not have been what most people would picture when they think of an alcoholic.

She had a job, paid bills on time, and generally kept on top of things. But, Natalie said, she and those close to her knew she was struggling. Like so many others, Natalie turned to alcohol to numb the pain from trauma she experienced.

For her, walking away from an abusive relationship, becoming a single mom, and being forced to leave a stable job were turning points in her addiction.

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge client journaling on park bench

Between looking after her daughter and working night shifts, Natalie found herself drinking 1.75 liters of whiskey every day.

“I drank like the bottle was my best friend, and I knew I needed help,” Natalie recalls. “I knew that it wasn’t going to stop on its own, and I knew that the things that I was going through were a lot deeper than just the substance abuse. There were a lot of mental things that needed to be fixed as well.”

Asking for help

Eventually, Natalie’s family convinced her to seek treatment and she soon connected with the outreach team at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge (MnTC).

Initially, Natalie intended to stay in the program for 30 days, but quickly realized there was more work to be done. Not only did MnTC help Natalie through alcohol withdrawals, but she found support to work through some of the root causes of her addiction.

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“I have worked on a lot of my issues, from my validation issues to issues with my beliefs and my self-esteem,” Natalie said. “I’ve worked on my values, my morals, integrity, all kinds of things.”

Natalie was also able to grow in her faith at MnTC, which, along with parenting classes and other resources, has made her feel ready to be the best mom possible to her daughter.

“My goal at the end of the day was just to be a present mom, a good mom, a happy mom, a providing mom, and a mom that my daughter would be proud of,” Natalie said.

Looking forward

Since graduating from the MnTC program in May of 2025, Natalie remains grateful for the opportunities the program has given her. One highlight, she says, was choosing to participate in MnTC’s choir and performing at churches around the Twin Cities.

Going forward, Natalie says she hopes to stay connected both with the church and the people she’s met at MnTC.

“I have plans to find a home church,” Natalie said. “I have had so much fun going around to all of these different churches, so I can’t wait to get out and find a home church to kind of plant myself and raise my daughter in,” Natalie said. “The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge community will always feel like family.”

If you or someone you love is looking for support, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge offers residential and outpatient options across Minnesota. Call 612-373-3366 or visit mntc.org to learn about programs, locations, and next steps.