Moving day is always exciting at Village of Hope. Steven worked hard to reach the “positive destination” of his own apartment. “I didn’t think I was gonna make it this far. There were ups and downs. I got a lot of help. And I did it,” recalls Stephen.
“It was July 4th last year that I lost my place. I was walking on the streets for nine months before Peer Support from The Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC) brought me to VOH. That first day, I was so quiet and shy. I went to my room and just bawled.”
After a hard first day at VOH, Steven decided not to remain holed up in his room. Each day, he would socialize in the common areas and made countless friends among the guests and staff. “I like to be goofy and get people to laugh,” Steven explained. He quickly developed a reputation for being an amazing roommate. Multiple times during his VOH stay Steven would be intentionally paired with guests who were struggling. Steven’s gentle presence and people skills had a positive impact on guests and staff alike.
Steven was determined to take C@P’s motto of “Positive Destinations” seriously by working on ways to enhance his life. He met regularly with his Peer Support and Case Managers. He joined the Ready 2 Rent class to learn the skills to help him manage his own apartment. He discovered a love for volunteer work by sorting clothes at the C@P Donation Center.
Stevin is beginning vocational rehabilitation. When asked about his hopes for the future, Steven broke into a wide smile and said “I want a career. I want a good future and a good job, and to start moving forward in life.”
“I’ve learned so much here,” Steven recalls when asked about his experience with C@P.
“I think what I learned most is that my voice matters.”
