Rising like the sun,
so others can shine.

Growing up, I was sheltered from the realities of adulthood. I wasn’t taught how to navigate life on my own, which left me feeling like I always needed someone else to care for me. I relied on a man who I thought would take care of everything for me.

At 18, I went from being a high school graduate living with my sister to a college dropout, pregnant and living under my boyfriend’s mother’s roof. Fear and inexperience held me back. For the next nine years, I gave up my dreams and independence to meet every demand of my children’s father. I quit school, never got a job, didn’t learn to drive, and lived without a bank account. I wasn’t just afraid —I was constantly made to believe that I couldn’t or shouldn’t take control of my own life.

From 2016 to 2023, I stayed in a toxic relationship filled with verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. I was trapped in a cycle of fear and manipulation, compounded by substance use. I tried to numb the pain, but it only deepened my struggles. Then, on October 18, 2023, everything changed. That day marked the last time I endured a physical altercation. It also marked the beginning of my journey with Christ. Building a relationship with God gave me strength and a renewed sense of purpose.

One of the hardest moments for me was leaving my kids with their dad for a few days because I had nowhere to take them. That was my turning point—I realized I needed to become self-sufficient to end the cycles of instability for my children.

At Time for Change Foundation, I found the support I desperately needed to rebuild my life. I attended domestic violence classes that gave me the tools to set boundaries and check in with my feelings. I learned to respond to situations thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Checking my emotions first became my new habit, and I discovered that I didn’t have to depend on my emotions to make decisions.

Through TFCF, I found my first job ever. That part-time position soon became full-time, and with steady income, I was able to get my own apartment! I also broke free from co-dependence and began leaning on my support system instead of looking for escape in drugs and alcohol.

For the first time, I began to see life differently. My mindset shifted, and I embraced healthier ways to cope and grow. I’ve gained confidence, and I’m no longer afraid to speak up or reach out for help.

Today, I’m proud to say I’m building a stable, independent life for myself and my children. I’ve worked hard to overcome my struggles and solve my own problems instead of staying in a victim mentality.

Programs like those funded by the Blue Shield Foundation made it possible for me to break the cycle of violence that had held me back. Now, I’m creating a future of resilience and hope for my family, ensuring my children are breaking the cycles of violence and poverty and have a chance to live thriving lives.

For Sarina, life once felt like an unending storm. Struggles mounted, and amidst the chaos, she faced the devastating reality of losing custody of her beloved son, Ethan. Her spiral left her feeling isolated and uncertain, but deep within, her love for Ethan burned brightly. That love became the spark she needed to fight to regain custody of her son and provide a better future for them.

Determined to rewrite her story, Sarina found her way to TFCF, ready to embrace the support and resources we offer. With unwavering resolve, she committed herself to the process of change, fueled by the dream of providing a brighter future for her son.

While the process wasn’t easy, Sarina has blossomed into a confident and empowered woman, embodying the very essence of resilience.

Through support from grant partners like San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, TFCF has enabled Sarina to access critical resources, allowing her to prioritize her mental health, explore job opportunities, and build a stable, nurturing life for herself and Ethan.

Today, Sarina is embracing a new chapter, working toward a future filled with hope and stability. She has maintained her sobriety, is now 7 months clean, and has regained full custody of Ethan on August 20, 2024!

Dallela’s life took a drastic turn when she joined Time for Change Foundation. Her life was in a desperate, hopeless, and homeless state. She lost her mother, lost their home, and realized that she had a problem with drinking and drugs. It ruined her relationships with her siblings, her children, and herself. She felt so hopeless that she attempted suicide by crashing her car into the center divider on the freeway—twice.

Miraculously, she survived without a scratch. When she woke up from being unconscious, she heard her mother screaming and crying, asking what she had done. During her time in the hospital, she confronted her deep-seated depression, anxiety, and trauma. Following her discharge, she entered rehab and later sought help from Time for Change Foundation, where she found a support system that nurtured her self-confidence and love. With counseling, educational classes, and employment resources, she rebuilt a stable home. Today, Dallela is employed, living in her own apartment and celebrating nearly a year of sobriety, Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of support, resilience, and faith in oneself. Grateful for the opportunity she received, she now aspires to help other women facing similar challenges, inspired to become a counselor or advocate.

Francisco's journey began in Mexico, where his family hailed from, but his struggles with mental health have been a lifelong challenge. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, he was initially skeptical of medication and chose not to take it. This decision led to numerous difficulties, including legal troubles and frequent jail time due to mental health episodes. Francisco often experienced hallucinations, became violent, and had outbursts in public, causing significant strain on his relationships with his family, whom he mistakenly believed were against him due to his paranoia. His use of alcohol and weed further exacerbated his condition, leading to even more erratic behavior.

After a month-long stint in jail, Francisco had a moment of clarity and realized he needed to change. He was determined to rebuild his life and mend his broken relationships with his family. Seeking help, Francisco turned to Brighter Futures, where he found the support, he needed.

Under the guidance of Mr. Tillman, Francisco agreed to start taking medication to stabilize his mental health. This decision marked a turning point in his life. Francisco noticed a drastic improvement in his mental health, which gave him the stability he had been missing. Alongside medication, he participated in therapy sessions with Lizzy at the SoCal office, which provided him with additional support and coping strategies. The combination of medication and therapy has been transformative for Francisco.

His mental health has improved significantly, allowing him to regain control over his life. He was able to secure a full-time job, which has given him a sense of purpose and stability. Moreover, the support and guidance from Mr. Tillman and Mr. Jermaine have been invaluable, helping him stay on track and continue his progress. Francisco's journey is a testament to the power of proper mental health care and support. Today, he is rebuilding his relationship with his family and looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to the resources and guidance he received at Brighter Futures.

Martell's life had been stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of regret and disappointment. His criminal background had cast a long shadow over his aspirations and opportunities, making it nearly impossible to maintain a steady job and provide financially for his family. He was all too familiar with the adverse consequences a criminal record could bring, having lost an ideal job in the past due to this very reason.

In the midst of this seemingly insurmountable challenge, Martell discovered a ray of hope in the form of the Leap program. This initiative offered him the chance to acquire new skills through training, opening doors to a better future in his career. The most remarkable aspect of the Leap program was its commitment to placing individuals like Martell with companies that were willing to look beyond their criminal backgrounds and offer them a second chance.

Martell eagerly enrolled in an OSHA Construction and trucking program through the Leap program. This step provided him with the essential tools and opportunities needed to forge a successful and lasting career in a field that welcomed him with open arms. As he embarked on this journey, he soon discovered a sense of happiness and accomplishment that had eluded him for much of his life.

The Leap program became the turning point in Martell's life, allowing him to shatter the barriers imposed by his criminal history. It gave him the chance to not only better himself but also to provide a brighter future for his family, breaking free from the cycle of disappointment that had plagued him for years.

Seven years ago, Marquita was a working mother of three happy children, living in her cozy home and owning a reliable car. Yet, behind this façade of normalcy, there was a darker secret that Marquita had been hiding from the world. She had developed an alcohol and weed habit that she believed was harmless. For a while, Marquita convinced herself that she had everything under control. After all, what harm could come from the occasional joint and a few drinks? As time passed, her after-work joint and drink transformed into an addiction to hard drugs. Her life spiraled out of control, and she found herself caught in the unforgiven grip of substance abuse. The once happy mother and homeowner had become a shadow of her former self now homeless and without her children.

Guided by the wisdom of God, her daughter offered Marquita a lifeline, but it came with conditions. She could live with her daughter for thirty days, but she needed to be drug during that time, Marquita accepted. In the midst of a challenging first week, Marquita realized it was time for her to change. She knew that she needed more than sheer determination she needed a structured program that would provide her with the support and discipline required for her recovery. Marquita and her daughter attended church and it was there that a compassionate church member shared a life-changing piece of information with them. They learned about an organization called Time for Change Foundation (TFCF). Marquita wasted no time and called their office immediately, eager to explore the possibilities of healing and transformation. Initially, Marquita was disappointed to learn that there were no available beds at TFCF, However, she refused to give up hope. Miraculously, the very next day, a bed become available and Marquita seized the opportunity. She moved into TFCF without hesitation, determined to break free from the chains of her addiction and rebuilt her life.

Marquita's journey to recovery was far from easy, but she credits a significant portion of her success to the wrap-around services provided by TFCF. In particular, the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) outpatient classes and the Workforce Development programs played a crucial role in helping her regain her footing. She now is gainfully employed, has her own apartment and has her children back in her life! Her journey from addiction to recovery is a shining example of how, with the right guidance and determination, even the darkest moments can lead to a brighter future.