Lisa Haan started a life of drug abuse, homelessness and crime at 12, when she was kicked out of her house and forced to make it on her own.

Today, at 41 years old, she is hopeful about the future for the first time in her life.

"I thought there was nothing wrong with me until I saw the different things that I have to do and hold myself accountable for," said Haan, who credits her turnaround to the T.J. Mahoney work furlough and offender reintegration program in Kalihi.

"The choices I made yesterday were not good," added Haan, a student at Kapi'olani Community College, who will finish her minimum sentence in April. "The choices I make today are healthy."

Haan and about 20 other women shared their stories of addiction, abuse, incarceration and survival with Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday at the offender reintegration facility for women. Most of the women were finishing out their sentences by going through the nonprofit program.

Lingle spent three hours at the facility, talking to the women and taking a tour of the grounds on Ka'aahi Street. The gathering was aimed at seeing what can be done to improve the corrections system in the Islands for women and to hear from female offenders firsthand.

State Department of Public Safety officials also attended the roundtable, and talked about how the approach to dealing with women offenders, who are generally convicted of non-violent crimes, is changing in the state to stress substance abuse treatment and counseling.

Lingle said the state would work to expand programs like T.J. Mahoney, which gradually reintegrate offenders into the community.

"I know that means more funding," Lingle told the women.

Lingle also congratulated the women on their progress.

Many have overcome drug or alcohol addiction and histories of abuse by family members to get jobs, go to school and reunite with their children or parents.

"This is no small thing you've done," Lingle said.

Rose DeMile, a participant in the T.J. Mahoney work furlough program, told the group about how occasional drug use spiraled into a full-blown addiction when she tried crystal methamphetamine.

"I went from a homeowner and I had my own business to living in a Jeep on Maui," she said. "It just stripped me of everything I held dear."

Other women shared similar stories of losing everything.

Zan Cambra lost custody of her children because of a long addiction.

Now, with a new job and a fresh outlook on life, Cambra is working to get them back. Cambra said the routine and support she has received through the T.J. Mahoney program has helped her start over again.

"Without this very structured program, it would be difficult," she said, speaking to the group. "I would get sidetracked very easily."

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.