Before connecting with Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA), Laura experienced physical abuse that led to struggles with addiction, loss of her children and incarceration. She never thought she would get her life together and be reunited with her family.

It was only when she connected with MHALA that she realized she shouldn’t lose hope. With the help of a supportive team, Laura secured a steady job, purchased reliable transportation and reconnected with her family.

Laura experienced extreme physical and sexual abuse from someone very close to her. As a result of one incident, she suffered a stroke. This led to patterns of substance abuse that ultimately caused her to lose contact with her children and go to jail.

“After prison, I was homeless,” Laura said. “I entered a drug rehab program but needed to get my life together before reconnecting with my kids.

I didn’t know how to take care of myself at that time. I was able to secure Section 8 housing, but knew I needed to find a job to keep my life on a stable path.”

Path to employment

That’s when Laura was introduced to MHALA. “Getting connected to MHALA helped me right from the start and I was able to get a job really quickly,” she said.

“My personal service coordinator at MHALA’s Integrated Service Center in Antelope Valley, Nikki, helped me look for jobs and stuck by my side the entire time. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

Through MHALA’s Employment Services, Nikki helped Laura interview for a job as a Costco food sampler. Laura was offered the job on the spot. It was not long before she was recognized by her supervisors and received three achievement awards. She was named one of the top three sellers at Costco, and over time saved enough money to purchase a car.

“I wouldn’t have ever gotten my job without Nikki and MHALA,” Laura said. “I now have a relationship with my family, including my grandson and my mom.

Before MHALA, this could not have happened for me. This is the first time I’ve been able to take care of myself, and I’m thankful to MHALA for helping me get here.”

Laura’s story is one of perseverance, family reunification and inspiration. She knows the challenging struggles of her past and has created a life of joy and stability through the skills she has gained at MHALA. In doing that, she has also created meaningful relationships that she didn’t think were possible.