In the Spotlight - Christina Ruest

My name is Christina Ruest (Hall). I currently live in Springfield & I work at Friends of the Homeless. I have been involved with Voices from Inside in many different ways for many years. I currently attend the writing group at AISS and I am on the Board of Directors. 

I first became involved with VFI when I was incarcerated. The year is a little fuzzy but I believe it was 2003. I heard that there was a creative writing group that I could sign up for and writing had always been something that I loved to do. I also had a lot of time on my hands and absolutely nothing else to do. 

My favorite part of being involved with VFI is watching one of the women share their poetry in the community for the first time. I love the support that the ladies give one another. The honesty and openness that each of the women have when sharing their voice is inspiring. 

When I first found VFI I was in a very low place in my life and I know that I would not be where I am now if it wasn't for this program. I had zero self-confidence and zero self-worth. It took me weeks to even be able to read in front of the group. I always believed that no one would ever want to hear what I have to say. All of the women that I have met on my journey with VFI have helped me to believe in myself. 

Over time, I began to believe in myself and have confidence. Without that, I would have never been able to go back to school and earn my Bachelor's degree. Without VFI, I would have never been able to stand up in front of people, speak up, and share my voice