Hello, my name is Quenten, and I’m a 50-year-old first generation student. My journey has been shaped by a challenging past and my determination to success shows with the 3.94 GPA to date. I am focused on my education as a short-term goal which will lead me to my goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker. I spent many years incarcerated in jails and institutions due to substance use and crime. My history with incarceration began when I was just 16 years old, starting with juvenile halls, youth detention facilities, and eventually prisons in California. Throughout those years, I never enrolled in any life-building courses that could have prepared me for reentering society. Due to this lack of preparation, I continued to use substances and commit crimes for decades. It wasn’t until my last incarceration that I had an epiphany about the state of my life. I took the time to reflect on the wreckage I had caused and sought solutions to my problems. Upon my release, I was introduced to 12-step programs and sober living environments. It was there that I began to understand that I had a disease that required daily attention to manage. I’ve been clean and sober for over fourteen years, and I don’t plan to change that—one day at a time. Now, let me share how these experiences have shaped my current reality. Through the 12-step programs and community, I discovered that my true purpose is to help people who suffer from substance use and mental health issues. This understanding led me back to school, where I completed two associate degrees, one in Behavioral Health and the other in Addiction Treatment. I am currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program for Social Work and have plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to work in institutions that house youth and men to help them navigate a better life. I believe that my life experiences, combined with my education, will directly benefit the population of troubled youth and men who have been incarcerated enter our communities and be productive members. Until recently, I have been working two jobs—one as a foreman in construction and the other as a substance abuse counselor—while attending school full-time to achieve my goal. Because of requirements for my education, I made the decision to let go of my employment in construction to better focus on my future as an LCSW. This has caused a grave financial hardship in my education process due to the loss of income. I do not receive financial aid and have supported my education by my own accord which won’t be sufficient anymore. As someone who counsels clients on the importance of asking for assistance, I will take my own advice. I say this to demonstrate my commitment to my progress toward my goal and to be able to help others. I am humbly asking for any assistance I can receive from donors like you.

Hello, my name is Quenten, and I’m returning to school at the age of 50. I’m the first in my family to enroll in higher education, and I’ve been putting in the work to do my best. So far, I have maintained a 3.94 GPA. My journey has been shaped by a challenging past, but I truly believe that the path I’m on now is a calling. I spent many years incarcerated in jails and institutions due to substance use and crime. My history with incarceration began when I was just 16 years old, starting with juvenile halls, youth detention facilities, and eventually prisons in California. Throughout those years, I was never enrolled in any life-building courses that could have prepared me for reentering society. Because of this lack of preparation, I continued to use substances and commit crimes for decades. It wasn’t until my last time incarcerated that I had an epiphany about the state of my life. For the first time, I did not use substances while incarcerated. I took time to reflect on the wreckage I had caused and sought out solutions to my problems. I began to search for a different way of life. All these experiences have helped me shift my values when working with others. During my addiction and immediately after my last incarceration, I had no empathy for anyone. I was a chaotic mess, concerned only with myself. I manipulated situations to get what I wanted, without caring about those around me. Upon my release, I was introduced to 12-step programs through the sober living house I was placed in. It was there that I began to understand that I had a disease that required daily attention to manage. I’ve now been clean for over fourteen years, and I don’t plan to change that—one day at a time. Now, let me share how these experiences have shaped my current reality. Through the 12-step programs, I discovered that my true purpose is to help people who suffer from substance use and mental health issues. This understanding led me back to school, where I earned two associate degrees—one in Behavioral Health and the other in Addiction Treatment. I am currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program for Social Work and have plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to work in institutions that house youth and help them navigate a better life. I believe that my life experiences, combined with my education, will directly benefit this population in our communities. Currently, I’m working two jobs—one as a foreman in construction and the other as a substance abuse counselor—while attending school full-time to achieve my goal. I’m facing challenges managing my time between work, school, and home life, which has led me to seek help. As someone who counsels clients on the strength of asking for assistance, I know I should take my own advice. I say this to demonstrate my commitment to my progress and to achieving my goal of helping others. Thank you for your time and for this opportunity. With support from people like you, we can create a better world for those battling the stigma of addiction and mental health issues.

Before I began my journey of helping others who struggle with addiction and mental health issues, I was closed off to empathizing with them. I truly believed that much of what people said was untrue and that they were simply exhibiting drug-seeking behaviors. As an addict who didn’t identify as one, I couldn’t understand why others acted the way they did. I often asked myself, “Why can’t they control their usage?” It wasn’t until later that I realized I was just like them. I had an epiphany: I needed help, just like those I once thought were faking it. I realized something had to change, and I chose recovery, which allowed me to see life through a different lens. Once my eyes were opened to the changes I needed to make, I began to understand those close to me who were struggling. I saw that they weren’t simply choosing to act this way—they were under the control of an invisible force, one that affected not just their thinking but their entire lives. They were powerless against it. This realization inspired me to make a difference in my world and the lives of others. I knew that in order to make a real impact, I needed education, so I returned to school. In 2013, I enrolled in community college and began working toward my first associate’s degree in behavioral science. After completing it, I returned to the workforce to pay off school debt. During this time, I got married to someone I believed had it all together. However, about a year later, she was diagnosed with a split personality disorder, and mental health issues became a daily struggle in our marriage. I saw firsthand how difficult it is for someone battling the feeling of losing their mind. Unfortunately, that marriage didn’t last, but the experience of seeing someone I loved face these uncontrollable struggles stayed with me. For over fourteen years, I’ve been involved in 12-step communities, working with men who face challenges beyond just addiction. These experiences have shaped my decision to pursue a path where I can help others. In 2023, I returned to school to earn another associate’s degree in addiction treatment and secured a position at a men’s residential and detox facility, where I have the privilege of helping men find hope and acceptance. Additionally, I work with men outside of the facility, sponsoring them through the steps and helping them live differently. With all this experience, I’ve now set my sights on my future. I recently began the journey to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and started my bachelor’s program in January 2025. I am fully committed to this goal and have dedicated myself to balancing two jobs and school. With my extensive history in addiction and the prison system, I believe my life experiences can help other men like me. I’ve been blessed to see how my interactions have helped some, and I’m determined to continue this work. I aspire to become a therapist in a youth facility, helping troubled teens make better decisions and leading them toward a brighter future. I know this is possible, and I am determined to do my part. Thank you for your time and for this opportunity. With support from people like you, we can create a better world for those battling the stigma of addiction and mental health issues.

Before I began my journey of helping others who struggle with addiction and mental health issues, I was closed off to empathizing with them. I truly believed that much of what people said was untrue and that they were simply exhibiting drug-seeking behaviors. As an addict who didn’t identify as one, I couldn’t understand why others acted the way they did. I often asked myself, “Why can’t they control their usage?” It wasn’t until later that I realized I was just like them. I had an epiphany: I needed help, just like those I once thought were faking it. I realized something had to change, and I chose recovery, which allowed me to see life through a different lens. Once my eyes were opened to the changes I needed to make, I began to understand those close to me who were struggling. I saw that they weren’t simply choosing to act this way—they were under the control of an invisible force, one that affected not just their thinking but their entire lives. They were powerless against it. This realization inspired me to make a difference in my world and the lives of others. I knew that in order to make a real impact, I needed education, so I returned to school. In 2013, I enrolled in community college and began working toward my first associate’s degree in behavioral science. After completing it, I returned to the workforce to pay off school debt. During this time, I got married to someone I believed had it all together. However, about a year later, she was diagnosed with a split personality disorder, and mental health issues became a daily struggle in our marriage. I saw firsthand how difficult it is for someone battling the feeling of losing their mind. Unfortunately, that marriage didn’t last, but the experience of seeing someone I loved face these uncontrollable struggles stayed with me. For over fourteen years, I’ve been involved in 12-step communities, working with men who face challenges beyond just addiction. These experiences have shaped my decision to pursue a path where I can help others. In 2023, I returned to school to earn another associate’s degree in addiction treatment and secured a position at a men’s residential and detox facility, where I have the privilege of helping men find hope and acceptance. Additionally, I work with men outside of the facility, sponsoring them through the steps and helping them live differently. With all this experience, I’ve now set my sights on my future. I recently began the journey to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and started my bachelor’s program in January 2025. I am fully committed to this goal and have dedicated myself to balancing two jobs and school. With my extensive history in addiction and the prison system, I believe my life experiences can help other men like me. I’ve been blessed to see how my interactions have helped some, and I’m determined to continue this work. I aspire to become a therapist in a youth facility, helping troubled teens make better decisions and leading them toward a brighter future. I know this is possible, and I am determined to do my part. Thank you for your time and for this opportunity. With support from people like you, we can create a better world for those battling the stigma of addiction and mental health issues.

Before I began my journey of helping others who struggle with addiction and mental health issues, I was closed off to empathizing with them. I truly believed that much of what people said was untrue and that they were simply exhibiting drug-seeking behaviors. As an addict who didn’t identify as one, I couldn’t understand why others acted the way they did. I often asked myself, “Why can’t they control their usage?” It wasn’t until later that I realized I was just like them. I had an epiphany: I needed help, just like those I once thought were faking it. I realized something had to change, and I chose recovery, which allowed me to see life through a different lens. Once my eyes were opened to the changes I needed to make, I began to understand those close to me who were struggling. I saw that they weren’t simply choosing to act this way—they were under the control of an invisible force, one that affected not just their thinking but their entire lives. They were powerless against it. This realization inspired me to make a difference in my world and the lives of others. I knew that in order to make a real impact, I needed education, so I returned to school. In 2013, I enrolled in community college and began working toward my first associate’s degree in behavioral science. After completing it, I returned to the workforce to pay off school debt. During this time, I got married to someone I believed had it all together. However, about a year later, she was diagnosed with a split personality disorder, and mental health issues became a daily struggle in our marriage. I saw firsthand how difficult it is for someone battling the feeling of losing their mind. Unfortunately, that marriage didn’t last, but the experience of seeing someone I loved face these uncontrollable struggles stayed with me. For over fourteen years, I’ve been involved in 12-step communities, working with men who face challenges beyond just addiction. These experiences have shaped my decision to pursue a path where I can help others. In 2023, I returned to school to earn another associate’s degree in addiction treatment and secured a position at a men’s residential and detox facility, where I have the privilege of helping men find hope and acceptance. Additionally, I work with men outside of the facility, sponsoring them through the steps and helping them live differently. With all this experience, I’ve now set my sights on my future. I recently began the journey to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and started my bachelor’s program in January 2025. I am fully committed to this goal and have dedicated myself to balancing two jobs and school. With my extensive history in addiction and the prison system, I believe my life experiences can help other men like me. I’ve been blessed to see how my interactions have helped some, and I’m determined to continue this work. I aspire to become a therapist in a youth facility, helping troubled teens make better decisions and leading them toward a brighter future. I know this is possible, and I am determined to do my part. Thank you for your time and for this opportunity. With support from people like you, we can create a better world for those battling the stigma of addiction and mental health issues.

Good day, I’d like to share my involvement in the community to help those struggling with mental health issues. As a recovering addict, I've witnessed many family members and friends battle the effects of mental health challenges. Additionally, I’m active in the 12-step community, where I work with many individuals facing similar struggles. These experiences have motivated me to play my part in supporting others and reducing the stigma associated with mental health and addiction. In 2013, I recognized that to truly help others, I needed to be educated. I enrolled in community college and earned two associate degrees, one in Behavioral Science and the other in Addiction Treatment. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, where I believe I can make the most meaningful impact for those dealing with mental health issues. I currently work two jobs: one as a substance use counselor at a men’s residential treatment facility and the other in construction. In my counseling role, I work closely with clients who have dual diagnoses, helping them manage both their addiction and mental health symptoms. While this work can be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding and fills my need to be of service. Outside of my professional work, I assist men in recovery who want to live fulfilling lives. I help them seek employment and run a sober work crew, offering them an opportunity to break through the stigma often associated with addiction. Ultimately, my goal is to help others. In addition to the work I’ve mentioned, I also volunteer my time with community-based programs to support people in need. I’ve assisted at a local sober center and helped distribute essential supplies to homeless communities during the holiday season. Currently, I’m working to secure a spot in a local community action program focused on helping youth who are struggling with mental health issues. Thank you for this opportunity.

My name is Quenten, and I would like to share with you the path I have chosen in my personal and professional life, in the hope that my story might inspire someone else. My journey is rooted in a series of poor decisions, which have shaped my current mission to support and guide others facing similar struggles. Starting in 1992, I experienced multiple prison sentences in California. For nearly two decades, I lived a life dominated by crime and substance abuse. It wasn’t until 2010 that I had a moment of clarity, a realization that my way of thinking and living had led to devastating consequences. At that moment, I made a promise to myself to change. I knew that if I didn’t, I would find myself back in prison for good. That shift in mindset marked the beginning of my transformation. After my release, I was accepted into a sober living house, where I was introduced to 12-step meetings. It was there that I began to understand the value of service to others and the importance of community. I witnessed firsthand how individuals in recovery, including myself, found strength through connection and support. This inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to helping those in need. Since then, I have earned two associate degrees—one in Behavioral Sciences and another in Addiction Treatment. Today, I work as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor at a men's residential facility and detox center, helping individuals like myself access the resources they need to rebuild their lives. In particular, I work closely with men who have recently been released from prison and are struggling to navigate their reintegration into society. In addition to my professional work, I am an active member of my community. I volunteer my time to charitable causes, including fundraisers for children at Christmas and programs for the homeless. While I wouldn’t describe myself as a philanthropist, I do consider it a privilege to assist those who suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues. I approach this work with humility, believing that everyone should contribute to helping their neighbors in need. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker. I have recently begun my bachelor’s program while working two jobs to support myself. I share this not as a complaint, but as a testament to my determination and commitment to reaching my goal. My passion is to help others, and I understand that in order to do so effectively, I must continue my education and training. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you, and I hope it provides insight into my dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

After many years of the revolving door of prisons and jails, I had an "ah ha" moment that would change my life. Once again, I sat in a jail cell asking myself, "Are the drugs my problem or just myself?”. The realization of me being my worse enemy was enough for me to decide to change. Although that was the hardest decision, it was the greatest. I am a recovering addict today with over fourteen years clean, who is very involved with my fellowship and work with many men to assist in the battle against their disease. I have gone back to school late in life to chase after a desire to help others and I have accomplished huge goals along the way. I am a registered SUD councilor working at a men’s residential/detox facility assisting others who were recently incarcerated. Recovery for me is simply helping the next person to become better. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, and I feel that since we know the pain, we are the best candidates to help. Recovery has given me so much to be thankful for and I found my dreams to be achievable. I’m not at the end of my road, I am working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so that I can go into institutions to help the struggling teens and adults who battle addiction. If I can help one person, I feel as if I have made a difference. Thank you