The Streets, My Cradle

A frightened twelve-year-old girl wanders the streets of Oakland, California, attempting to escape an abusive home. Never knowing the simple pleasures of childhood, Jennifer quickly adapts to a new way of life that forces her to steal, take drugs and sell herself into child prostitution. This is the shocking story of innocence lost, a childhood stolen from a young girl long before she ran away from home. Jennifer Lynn Jackson shares a heart-wrenching tale of her troubled past and how she was able to overcome her battle with drugs, prostitution and mental illness. Through years of therapy, the support of friends and a renewed sense of courage, Jennifer evolved from a weak and scared little girl to a strong, compassionate woman who now devotes her time to helping others kick their habit and regain control of their lives. Jennifer's book is a story of hope and redemption in the midst of incredible suffering and trauma. Her bravery and persistence are a testimony to the levels of creativity richness that the human spirit is capable of achieving even in the darkest of times. -Dr. Marvin J. Southard, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Jennifer Lynn Jackson is a Certified Peer Advocate and Alternate Board Member for the California Network of Mental Health Clients and a Recovery Facilitator at locked mental health facilities. She graduated in June 2009 from Los Angeles Southwest College as a Chemical Dependency Specialist in Criminal Justice and will be continuing her education in San Francisco. Jennifer has four sons and two daughters, is a grandmother of six and currently lives in Southwest Los Angeles where she volunteers at Watts Labor Community Action Committee. Publisher's website: http://strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheStreetsMyCradle.html