Sherry Partlow is very ready to own a home of her own. “I want to be able to put a key in the door and say it’s mine.” She came to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake in March, not long after her sister, Andrea Brinkley, moved into a Habitat home in Washington Village.
The two girls and their younger brother grew up in East Baltimore. “Our grandmother raised us, and she raised all her other grandchildren too. It seemed like there were about 30 children living in her house.” All the other adults in Sherry’s life—her parents, aunts, and uncles—were out “getting high” and living the life. Her grandmother’s house was the family place, and her grandmother was the stable center of the family. Sherry says even now her grandmother’s house is full of people. Today, her grandmother is able to rely on Sherry for help and support.
It hasn’t always been that way. At one time, Sherry got caught up in the life as well. Using drugs and selling drugs landed Sherry in prison for several years. During that time, she began to take steps to change her life, and when she was released she went directly to Marian House—a transitional and supportive housing program for women who have suffered through poverty, addiction, mental illness, or incarceration. “Marian House is the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned to be independent and to look forward to the future. Now, I want things for myself and I want to get them the right way. I am glad to work and take care of myself.”
Sherry has been at Marian House for two years. She says she got everything she needed from the program and now she is ready to move on. “I am ready to take the next step—I need my own place. I’ve even started dreaming about my house and what it will look like.” She has also started saving for her new home. “I don’t need much, just a couch and a television to start out. I’m going to take my time. These days, I’m on the sunshine side of the street. I wake up and I’m happy; I even take time to look at the trees.”
Sherry’s warmth and enthusiasm are contagious. It’s hard to believe that at one time she found it very difficult to talk to people. “I used to be unable to speak to people. Even at work—Sherry works at Mercy Hospital—I just kept to myself. Gradually I got comfortable speaking. I’ve come a long way, and I know I can make it in this world.” The last three years have shown Sherry that she has a future that she can plan and build towards. And she is making provision for other people in her life.
“I am going to pay for my home so I have a place of my own and something I can leave to my brother.” Sherry’s affection for her brother is clear as she talks about him. “He’s been through some things but he’s not a troubled child. He’s a lot like I used to be – shy and quiet.” He still lives with Sherry’s grandmother and she worries about the neighborhood. “I tried and tried to change my life. But I always had to come back home, and I would wind up in the same hole.” Just as she has climbed out of that hole, she wants a better life for her brother. “He’s so proud of me and Andrea. He just needs something else to do; he needs to see something else besides these streets where nothing is going on.”
Sherry has found her voice; that is clear. She speaks up for herself and for the people she loves. Asked what she’d like to say to the Habitat community she smiles, “If I can do it, anyone can. I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve been through; it made me a better person. I know when I get my house I’m going to cry. They will be joyful tears.” We look forward to celebrating with her: the places she’s been, the places she’s going, and her voice full of hope and promise.
