RCEDA 8.5x11 Report d3

Youth Story (Letter froma past youth participant of the California Family Life Center/ Youth Opportunity Center

Hello Mary Jo, I wanted to let you know how happy I was to see you in person at the fundraiser dinner on October 6 th , 2018 after all these years and give you a big hug to thank you! I also want to share a bit of my story with you in the hopes that it will encourage you and others to continue the great work that you do and share the positive results that are seen and unseen. Also, to encourage those young ones who have a wonderful future ahead! I have been with the same company that hired me right out of your program in 1994, for 25 years. I applied for a job with this company three times and was not hired until I applied with my CFLC Certificate and Edit got my foot in the door at an entry level position; part time, second shift (3 pm – 12 am) Friday-Sunday. I worked my way up and into theManufacturing Engineering department, where I have been for the last 10 years. I amwhat you might call a “non-degreed Engineer.” I could never really adapt to a school environment, which I found out later was due to undiagnosed mental health issues (social anxiety, panic attacks, etc.). I had difficulties attending college, when attempted. The company I work for promotes fromwithin and offers online classes as well as instructor led on-site trainings. I have been very fortunate over the years. Especially with the door that opened for me through your program and that I am still able to continue to learn and grow. In 1995, I encouraged my younger brother and his three friends (who were struggling at home and with school) to join CFLC and they did; certificates and GED included! My brother went on to serve his country and is a decorated veteran, doing well with his family of six inMichigan. Due to my success within the company during these years, I have been able to assist my family. My sister was a single mother of two, with two jobs while attending college. With the help of her brothers (and myself), she raised her boys in Irvine, CA and got her Master’s degree from Pepperdine University for Marriage and Family Therapy/ Counseling with honors. She now teaches and counsels children with autism. Her eldest son is a physical education teacher at the same school and the youngest son is a full-time student in college.

Some of my history: I was raised in an HUD ( Apartment Complex on the low end of low income in a gang riddled neighborhood (inner city) where drugs, alcohol and drive-by shootings were a regular occurrence. My best friend was murdered when we were 16 years old, amongmany other friends whom became casualties as well. Both of my parents suffered fromdebilitating mental illness which resulted in years of emotional, psychological and physical abuse towards us children. We were raised in a religious cult that promoted corporal punishment, guilt and doomsday/apocalyptic scenario. My parents divorced when I was 14 years old our family of six split up shortly after that. My brother and I were both hospitalized for depression, thoughts of suicide and outbursts. We moved back and forth between my father and mother, attending multiple schools and falling behind. I was kicked out of high school in 11th grade for poor attendance. School was the last thing on my mind, survival came first. Shortly thereafter I became homeless and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for several years. I was lost. I returned to my father’s home (Hemet) in the hopes of getting off the streets and a new start on life. I was 21 years old and tried to get into “Adult Ed” for an education and diploma. They had no openings and I was unable to afford it if they accepted me. They directed me to a place called “California Family Life Center” and said they may be able to help. With your acceptance, I joined the ‘year-round fall term.’ I enjoyed on the job training with the Hemet Unified School District (with pay), while working towards my GED. You and your staff (Susan, etc.) were so understanding and supportive, which was exactly what was lacking and I needed dearly. I finally got my GED, driver’s license, a full-time job and my own place to live. My life has not been the easiest since (and no one said it would), but I was given a second chance with faith, hope and a good foundation to draw from through CFLC. Thank you so much Mary Jo! Thank you CFLC!

Sincerely, Past Youth Participant

48 www. r i v c o e d a . o r g