Thirty-seven year old Maria came to CLUES struggling with addiction and Bipolar Disorder. Maria was fighting to get sober, break free from prostitution, and reclaim her self-worth. As a child, Maria had endured sexual abuse and recognized the importance of working to overcome her painful past and begin healing. Maria began attending biweekly therapy in CLUES Mental Health Services, as well as outpatient chemical dependency (CD) treatment at CLUES Chemical Health Services. During her treatment, Maria was referred to the CLUES psychiatrist for medication management to help her cope with symptoms she experienced from Bipolar Disorder. In addition, she took part in CLUES Financial Empowerment program where she learned how to budget, how to rebuild her credit, and she developed a work resume to propel her to the stability and self-worth she desired.

By the time Maria was ready to graduate from CD treatment she was a leader in the group, motivated to help others engage in the recovery process. Through therapy Maria was able to begin healing from her traumatic personal experiences that were contributing to her addiction. Maria graduated from the CD program living a healthier and mentally stable life. Maria is now working towards an associate’s degree in medical assisting and is halfway through her program. She continues to stand up against the effects of Bipolar Disorder, and with the tools she has received from the program supports at CLUES Maria is finally able to embrace her self-worth and work towards a healthier and happier future. 

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Jose came to CLUES for chemical health outpatient treatment primarily to get custody of his daughter. Though he had used marijuana daily for 21 years, Jose thought he could still be a good dad while using and denied he had a drug problem. During the first month and a half of his treatment, Jose continued to struggle with denial and resistance to change, but he soon realized that he did not know how to function without being high and admitted he did have dependency issues. Determined to gain custody of his daughter, Jose committed himself to getting sober and fully engaged himself in his treatment process.

In September Jose graduated from CLUES’ chemical health outpatient treatment program and became a role-model for the rest of the members in his group. Many of the other fathers in the group stated that they looked up to Jose because of his commitment to his daughter. He has thanked CLUES numerous times for all the dedication, care, and support he received from staff and his treatment group while he was confronting his addiction. Jose continues to stay sober and looks forward to raising his daughter while being a positive role-model for her and other single fathers.  

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Doris, single mother of Juan, age 11 and Maria, age 9, came to parenting classes at CLUES to seek advice and direction. Unable to afford childcare while she worked evenings to provide for her family, Doris was forced to leave her children home alone. At one point Juan admitted to his mother that while she was at work, he would force Maria to have sexual relations with him, placing a pillow over Maria’s head to silence her. Juan learned this behavior by witnessing his father’s actions towards his mother. Doris called the police to report Juan’s behavior, and now he is in a juvenile detention center for sexual violators.

Doris continues to participate in parenting classes at CLUES and has learned to build her self-esteem, to identify positive and negative relationship behaviors, and has made connections with community resources where she and her family can go for help. Doris can more effectively cope with her own traumas, and she is more supportive and understanding of her children. Maria also attends mental health therapy at CLUES to help her work through this trauma, to heal and to build her sense of safety and stability.

After attending parenting classes and receiving help from CLUES, Doris feels a sense of belonging and increased self worth. She has learned new alternatives for herself and her children, and looks forward to family reunification. In addition, Doris’ mother moved from Mexico to live with the family to help provide childcare and guidance for the kids. The combination of parenting services, mental health, and family support services from CLUES has transformed Doris from being a victim to being an empowered mother and advocate for her family’s well-being.    

 

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When Juan attended an Employment Services orientation at CLUES, he had been unemployed for a long time. He didn’t have anything to eat, was about to be evicted from the apartment where he was living, and didn’t have any money to send to his mother in Nicaragua. Juan’s employment counselor told him about the resources CLUES has in place to support him and assured him that she would do everything in her power to help him find a job. Juan started to cry, saying he was so thankful to have come to the orientation and that he was beginning to feel confident about the future.

For the next appointment with his counselor, Juan arrived two hours early, eager to start the process that would help him overcome the difficulties he was facing. In the appointment, Juan and his counselor worked on his résumé, explored work opportunities based on his skills and abilities, and practiced interview questions; Juan left feeling confident and more optimistic about his situation.

His employment counselor faxed the new resume out to some potential employers. Three days later, Juan called to say that he had interviewed and been offered a job on the spot. He was very happy and looking forward to the next step – pursuing his dream to become a business owner.

Through follow-up calls, his employment counselor has learned that Juan enjoys his new job and with his income was able to start a small business. He continues to save money hoping to expand his business in the near future. Juan’s drive and determination, along with a detailed employment plan and the support of his employment counselor, made it possible for him to overcome the difficult circumstances he was facing when he first came to CLUES. Now Juan is well on his way to financial prosperity and achieving his American Dream.

Return to Economic Advancement Services

For eighteen-year-old Ana and her family, meal times were characterized by large portions of heavy and rich foods. The family put little thought into how their dietary choices were affecting their overall well-being until Cesar, one of CLUES Community Health Workers, conducted a home visit to discuss various aspects of healthy living and nutrition. Cesar taught the family about the simple changes they could make to integrate fruits and vegetables into their diet, how different foods can affect mood and energy levels, and how vitamins and minerals are essential to good health. Cesar also explained the benefit of smaller portions and more frequent meals, a concept that was difficult for the family since Ana’s mother is a great cook and prepares large meals everyone loves. Though change can often be difficult, Ana and her family were grateful for Cesar’s knowledge and were receptive to improving their health habits.

Ana particularly enjoyed learning about nutrition and how food fuels the body in different ways, and she decided to make changes in her life. She took action by reducing her intake of sugar and fat and eating a more balanced diet that included more fruits and vegetables. Within a short time Ana noticed a difference. Now Ana has more mental focus when studying and taking tests at school. Her physical energy has also increased since she began consuming a balanced diet of nutritious foods. Before changing her dietary habits, Ana experienced a rollercoaster of high and low energy levels, leaving her feeling tired physically and mentally. The rest of the family has also made changes by reducing portion sizes and being more mindful of the kinds of foods they eat. Meal times are still important for Ana and her family and have become opportunities to try new foods and use different cooking techniques that promote healthy lifestyles. Now, thanks to CLUES’ Community Health Workers, Ana and her family have the knowledge and resources to make healthier choices through proper diet and increased physical activity.

 

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