Taking Back Hope

At 15, Rikki became pregnant and was scared and unsure of what the future held. After having her son, she decided to return to high school. However, balancing a full-time job and the challenges of motherhood became overwhelming, and she ultimately had to drop out of high school to care for him.

Before finding NexStep Alliance Re-Entry, Rikki had been on six different probations. During that time she learned about the program through the Sedgwick County Drug Court. That’s where she met Ms. Judy Reusser, the NexStep Re-Entry Coordinator. Judy has been the foundation of the Re-Entry program. She has helped build the NexStep program into what it is today and maintains relationships with her students even after they complete their classes.

“There are not enough words to express how much Judy has helped me. Where do I start? She has saved my life. I remember when I was about to start school; that morning, I found my son had passed away at 19 from an overdose. She talked to me when I needed it most. I ended up being able to start school in the next class. The support she gave me through it all truly saved my life and has given me back hope.”

It was all about a second chance.

Rikki completed the NexStep Re-Entry program in May of 2022, graduating with her high school diploma, and earned her CNC certificate from WSU Tech. She now works full-time for a local agency as a Case Manager. Rikki also advocates for others in the program and has shared her success story at NexStep celebrations.

Since finishing the program, she has continued her education at WSU Tech. Rikki plans to begin classes at Fort Hays State this fall to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work, with a minor in drug and alcohol counseling.

Through it all, she has not let her past define her. She was offered a second chance and took it seriously. “I can be better than what I have shown in the past. I couldn’t be more grateful.”