With a history of drug issues and jail time, few people thought that Nicole Richie would ever be a good mother.

From a young age, Richie fell into many of the pitfalls that Hollywood’s young stars have trouble avoiding. After a heroin bust, she found herself in rehab.

Her shrinking figure led many to speculate that she suffered from an eating disorder, which led to an increased amount of criticism, as Richie was seen as a poor role model for young girls.

Her image was farther tainted when she was forced to serve jail time after being convicted of her second DUI.

Now a mother of two with fiancé Joel Madden, Richie has seemingly turned her life around.

Since the birth of her first child, Sparrow, two years ago, Richie has become dedicated to bettering the lives of children.

Along with Madden, she started the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation. According to the foundation’s website, they are dedicated to “bringing meaningful opportunities to children in the U.S. and abroad.”

Richie has become an inspiration to all who wish to turn their lives around. She not only fought and beat her own personal demons, but she is now dedicated to bettering the lives of others.

Richie has reached a point in her life where she is a true role model.

Caitie Beth Shauck can be reached for comment at [email protected]