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Atascadero woman spends Christmas with daughters after beating addiction, homelessness

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Have you stopped and asked what you are thankful for? One mother is grateful to have a home for her daughters on Christmas.

“Oh this is a special Christmas,” Bethany Sims said with a smile. Before the holidays, Sims spoke with KSBY about how she turned her life around after battling addiction that led to homelessness.

With the help and guidance of ECHO, El Camino Homeless Organization, in Atascadero, Sims successfully completed drug and alcohol programs.

“I watched Bethany work hard and always put her girls first,” said case manager Samantha Crouse. “And that was her goal was to eventually to get everything sorted out and get housing for her daughters. It was really beautiful to see.”

ECHO provides 50 beds for families who are struggling with homeless for some reason or another.

Operating for 17 years, CEO Wendy Lewis says it helps transform lives, giving them a roof over their heads while they work through their situation to then be able to find their own home.

“It really is [Bethany} doing the work to transform her life,” Lewis said. “She found herself in a tough situation. We’re just thankful that ECHO was here for her. And it’s a place that doesn’t feel like a shelter. We really wrap our arms around the people we serve.”

For Sims and her daughters, they now a place to grow and a tree to celebrate the holidays together.

“I’m just proud of myself, very humble,” Sims said. Her next goal is to give back.

“I plan on going to school. And I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor and help people.”