Jensa Rae Baumgartner
ACLC
Hello, my name is Jensa Rae Baumgartner. I am from Great Falls, MT. When I was young, I was removed from my mother’s care due to her drug use and toxic relationship with my father. She soon got us back. We stayed in Missoula through 8th grade and I never really felt as if I fit in anywhere I tried to be. I never really knew much about drugs. It was the summer going into freshman year that I decided I wanted to try smoking weed. It was a quick snowball effect as I also started drinking and trying whatever other drugs came my way throughout high school. I was finally part of the crew. It didn’t take long, and right before I turned 17, I got into the life of meth. This life stuck with me for several years. I was in a toxic relationship that eventually became physically abusive, and for the same reasons as my mother before me, had my daughter removed from my care, while I was just finding out I was pregnant with my son. It was falling through rock bottom several times and being guided by God that I was able to make it to treatment.
My journey of recovery started 6 years ago on September 8, 2018, when I checked into detox. Through this journey, I was able to get my daughter back, keep my newborn son, and live at the Great Falls Rescue Mission. While in their discipleship program, I also found my husband and gained two stepdaughters. I have also been able to go to college and get a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Through college, I gained some achievements, things I never thought were possible. It was only possible through surrendering my life to God, living my life rigorously authentic in my recovery, and sharing my story wherever I go. I am so grateful to be blessed by God’s grace with the opportunity to continue to share my story and come along side those that struggle in the same ways and help guide them to their own path of recovery.