I learned to respect myself.

I was referred to SPIRITT’s CARE (California Access to Recovery Efforts) program for using drugs and alcohol during school. I worked the program for a while and I was better, but my parents thought I was still acting out. I continued the counseling which focused on substance abuse, effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and self-esteem. The therapy helped me and my parents to talk more openly and more often.

I chose the wrong friends, was making bad decisions and I was drinking and using drugs because I didn’t think much of myself. Now, I’m doing much better in school, made some new friends and I am getting along better with my parents - they think it’s cool.

> Ricardo

I can be responsible!

Over the last 18 months, I’ve had to face things I never wanted to face. Without SPIRITT’s help, I believe I would have continued to use, get arrested, go to jail and return again to another rehab – never taking control of my own choices – like choosing recovery over addiction. Who knows where I would be right now – most likely in jail, homeless or maybe dead.

I have a great amount of gratitude and the utmost respect for the commitment and concern you have shown me, helping my recovery from marijuana, meth and tequila. I had given up my family for drugs and getting high. Now, I have a 9-month-old granddaughter I want to know. I want to be an important part of her life.

I have seen a different way to live and it is up to me to continue to take action. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make my life meaningful. My granddaughter thanks you and so do I.

> Daniel

I can now depend on myself to be resourceful.

I just left an abusive relationship and was alone with my two children [3 and 6]. I had no money and no job. I entered the CARIÑO PFF program and an in-home counselor visited us for six months. During my time in the program, I took several classes for parents.

My counselor gave me information about the various ways to put my life back together and the first group I joined was PALS (Parents As Leaders and Support). I met other parents who were struggling like me. Then, I took the Incredible Years parenting class and later joined the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) where I’m finishing a 9-week Advocacy course.

I am thankful to SPIRITT’s wonderful referrals to play therapy for my son at the Covina Development Center and domestic violence counseling at YWCA Wings. I am doing very well. I’m attending college and employed as a Clerical Assistant. Recently, SPIRITT asked me to become a co-leader of the PALS group and I started a mentorship program at the agency to become a Family Advocate. I had helped plan a Saturday conference with other parent leaders that was free to the community. I continue to learn and be involved. My children and I are very happy.

> Erika

I’ve learned to be resiliant and bounce back!

I’d been a drug addict for over 13 years and was addicted to three different drugs. I’d been arrested many times. The last ended with a 6-year prison term. The terms of release included enrollment in a six-month drug program and three years probation. I was homeless, and unemployed and had been told that I could never change. Given my criminal history, I thought no one would ever trust me to care for my son who was living with my family. I always hoped we could be together.

Fortunately, I had a positive attitude, and was able to attend SPIRITT drug and alcohol program meetings and I remain drug free. Determined to regain custody of my son, I worked with the SPIRITT counselor to achieve my goals: completed my program, rented a small apartment, landed a part-time job and was granted limited visitation privileges with my son. Soon, I hope to regain full custody of my son.

All my angels helped turn my life around.

> Claudia and Joel

Recovery feels wonderful!

I was unemployed and dependent on welfare. My children had been sleeping on mattresses on the floor and had their clothes in boxes.

After enrolling in the CARIÑO program, I was met with kindness and understanding. The staff helped me to overcome many of my barriers and continue my education – I was in the process of working towards my bachelor’s in psychology.

Through the support of my in-home clinician and the staff at CARIÑO PFF, I was given the courage and strength to overcome many fears and barriers that I put up because I never felt worthy of being anything in life.

Now I have more courage. I successfully graduated from the CARIÑO program and I have continued to stay involved by joining the PALS (Parents as Leaders & Support) group. Also, I am now employed and working full time.

Thanks to my in-home clinician and the staff for believing in me when I did not believe in myself.

> Rocio

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