Tulsa Women Overcome Meth Arrests To Become Valued Employees

Two Tulsa hotel workers were facing prison time when they joined a program that turned their lives around.

Both Erin Haddock and Amera Davis were arrested for making methamphetamine.

Instead of going to prison, they joined a program called Women in Recovery.

Through that program, Haddock and Davis were able to get jobs at Tulsa's Hyatt Regency Hotel.

And for the first time in hotel history, the Hyatt won three Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association awards.

One went to Haddock for "Outstanding Front Desk Employee of the Year."

She beat out six other people in this category.

Davis won the title of "Outstanding Roomkeeper of the Year."

Seven other workers from all over Oklahoma were nominated.

"It was heartbreaking at the very beginning because they're two fantastic young ladies in a bad situation, but they've come along great," Hyatt Tulsa General Manager Jeff Keeley said. "They're obviously two of our better employees and they won awards, which is great for them as well."

For Davis and Haddock it's been a long road to recovery.

"I was facing seven years in the pen," Davis said.

Both women were addicted to meth for nearly a decade.

They were sentenced to an alternative program called "Women in Recovery," which partners with the Hyatt.

"I'd probably be dead, and if I wasn't dead, then I'd probably still be making meth and probably look like I was dead," Davis said.

Davis and Haddock have worked at the hotel for almost two years.

This is the longest they've ever held one job.

"We get great employees that stay with us and do a great job and take care of our guests and they get an opportunity to further their lives and move on, so it truly has been a win-win situation," Keeley said.

It's because of their hard work they were nominated for Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association awards.

"I never thought my life could be the way that it is today, and to be recognized for my work, it's really awesome," Haddock said.

It wasn't easy getting to this point, but both women say it was worth it.

"Don't feel like you're lost to all hope because there's definitely hope out there," Davis said.

Added Haddock: "Don't give up because you can definitely change if you're willing to put in the work for it."

Eight "Women in Recovery" members are currently working at the hotel.

The hotel also won an award for "Outstanding Community Service Project of the Year."