Sandra Lee Jones Nelson

I was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Williamstown, New Jersey. After graduating from college I moved to Baltimore, Maryland to begin working at John Hopkins Hospital as a graduate nurse. I later took a position at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC and Visiting Nurses Association.

In 1988 My nephew David told me about Peniel. He is a Peniel graduate. In 1990 I attended my first Peniel Graduation and my heart was pricked. In 1991. I joined the Peniel Adopt-A-Resident Board and that did it - I was hooked.

I learned that my 19 year old son, my only son, was addicted and he ended up in jail. In his first call to tell me of his incarceration and his need for help, my advice was: “Son, I know what I put in you and you only have two choices, stay in jail or go to Peniel!” That was it! I have never regretted my response nor his choice. And thirteen years later, he is still clean and living a positive life. I am convinced that Peniel is a “one of a kind” facility where lives are absolutely changed.

1993 I joined the staff of Peniel. I have had various work experiences, but I have not found a place that could top or cause me to give up what I do. The satisfaction in knowing that I can and have helped cause a person to re-think a decision and be a part of changing a life, not even the lottery with all of its glory could be more rewarding. It’s a wonderful feeling, especially when you see them come in hurting and broken and then on their graduation day, walk down that aisle whole, to receive a diploma of completion. For some this is the only thing that they have successfully completed.

I serve as the Medical Services Department Director, the Drug Awareness Class Instructor , Certified Clinician as consultant/counselor and also recently appointed an evaluator oral examinations for the State Of Pennsylvania as well as a Certification Board for Addiction Counselors.

Within months, I will graduate The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Masters Degree Program For Clinical Nurse Specialists. This is the next piece to my dream and original vision of establishing a licensed Detoxification Unit at Peniel.

Click here to read an article by Sandra entitled,"At Last There Is Hope!". This article was previously published in Profiles Magazine.