April deserves to be recognized.
Why? Because after just three months of selling Real Change, she joined the "600 club," distributing over 600 papers each month to customers throughout Central and South Seattle, her hometown.
But her due recognition isn't just for her sales (although, let's face it, her numbers are pretty impressive). She also deserves to be recognized for her strength and perseverance. Because she has accomplished what many can't: Thirteen months clean time from crack cocaine.
"I felt that if I didn't make a drastic change right away, I was going to die in the streets or in jail," April says.
So she checked herself in. Fourteen days in a secured detox center, 60 in an inpatient treatment facility.
Now, over a year later, April sells Real Change full-time and has built a loyal customer base, all in the span of just three months.
"I stay focused by selling the paper," she says matter-of-factly. "This helps give me something constructive to do from day to day."
At first it was just to make a few bucks, but now she enjoys it, too. "It's kind of like a support group because everyone benefits from it," she says, "And I approve of the paper. I respect the message that they're trying to send out. These are voices that need to be heard."
As for those who buy the paper: "I just want to say, 'Thank you.' Without you, I couldn't have done it. All the people that have come up here and encouraged me, it helps keep me going. Thank you!"
You can find April vending outside the Safeway at 22nd and Madison, Monday thru Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. So be sure to give her your support and offer some words of encouragement, so that she can continue to be an inspiration to all of us. Because she's earned it.