“Free At Last saved my life.”
When I arrived at Free at Last, I was at rock bottom. I had been homeless in East Palo Alto for nearly two years, lost in addiction, carrying nothing but the clothes I owned and a small hope that my life could still change. I had lost almost everything — including the ability to care for my son. When my grandmother was granted guardianship, I was devastated. I felt angry, ashamed, and broken.
But Free at Last saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.
Miss Toni, my counselor, spent countless hours helping me work through my pain. She helped me understand that my grandmother wasn’t taking my place — she was protecting my son until I could become healthy and stable again. That realization changed everything. It was the moment I stopped fighting the past and started fighting for my future.
Free At Last gave me structure, accountability, and the belief that I was worth rebuilding. They encouraged me to find work, and I got my first job as a cashier at Goodwill. That job gave me purpose. When my 90 days were up and I had nowhere safe to go, I chose to stay an extra 30 days so I wouldn’t fall back into homelessness. That decision helped me secure placement at LifeMoves, continue working, and eventually move into stable housing.
Today, I am proud to say I have been sober for over two years. I’ve worked my way up from cashier to Assistant Manager at Goodwill. I have my own apartment, my driver’s license, a car, and a level of independence I once believed was impossible.
And after nearly four years, I finally reunited with my son.
I walked into Free at Last feeling hopeless, angry, and lost. I walked out with strength, humility, and a future. This program didn’t just help me get sober — it helped me heal, rebuild my life, and become the mother my son deserves.
Free At Last gave me a second chance. They believed in me long before I believed in myself, and because of them, I have a life filled with stability, purpose, and hope.
I will forever be grateful.