Stability and the Power to Choose

This entry shares the journey of “Camila” (pseudonym), who turned to LifeWorks while facing homelessness and mental health challenges rooted in past trauma. As she navigated her path forward, she discovered her own strength, built a future she’s proud of, and gained the resources to support herself and her daughter long-term. We are honored to have been part of her journey and remain committed to amplifying her voice as she continues forging her path ahead.

When you think of stability and independence, what comes to mind?

For Camila, it means being able to pay rent, having her own home, caring for her daughter, and enjoying the freedom to explore new opportunities. But getting to this place of stability didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth—one that she navigated with determination and support. 

An abusive upbringing and subsequent relationship in adulthood made standing on her own two feet overwhelming.  

"It really limited me," she explained. "[Growing up,] I wasn’t allowed to leave the house or do anything unless it related to school. Everything was controlled, down to the clothes I wore and who I spoke to." 

After leaving an abusive relationship, Camila and her daughter began couch surfing to have a place to sleep.

After moving to Texas in search of better opportunities, she realized she needed to make a change. The combination of the abusive relationship she was in, the weight of childhood trauma, and the responsibilities of motherhood all left Camila feeling stuck. With the help of a friend, she connected with a local shelter.  

"After I left him, I began couch surfing with my daughter,” she shared, “My friend told me SAFE [Stop Abuse For Everyone Alliance] would be a good place to go, so I called and told them my story and the urgency of the situation.” 

SAFE provided her and her daughter with a one-bedroom space at a hotel while she began to rebuild her life. 

A Turning Point: Finding Counseling at LifeWorks 

Camila’s turning point came when she was encouraged to seek help for depression.  

"It wasn’t normal to feel so sad all the time," she recalled.  

The cycle of moving from shelter to shelter, alongside the extremely difficult memories of her past, left her feeling hopeless. However, connecting with LifeWorks began to reignite her belief that she could successfully escape her situation and begin to thrive. 

“Feeling like I wasn’t able to do anything with my life, going from shelter to shelter—being at LifeWorks made me realize that there was a path for me to do things with my life," Camila shared. "It opened new doors for me to explore what I really wanted to do versus what I had to do to survive.” 

Here, she found counseling, community, and resources that helped her begin her journey toward stability. 

“When I first came to LifeWorks, I was living in a shelter and didn’t have anything of my own,” Camila said. "No car, no food, not even clothes of my own. Now, having my own things puts me in a better headspace—I am free." 

For over two years, Camila worked with LifeWorks counselors, which was only the beginning. These sessions helped her process past trauma and reframe how she saw herself. A pivotal moment came during a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) assessment.  

"Hearing how severe my number was let me know it was something I needed to work on," she recalled.  

Through affirmations and exercises, she began challenging her negative self-beliefs and rediscovering her identity. 

"I realized I didn’t have to hold onto those negative memories anymore," Camila shared. "I could live life for myself. I’m an amazing person and friend. I have a good heart, and I really like helping people." 

Balancing Motherhood and Career Goals 

Camila secured a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

While counseling helped Camila build confidence and her sense of self, she also needed support to balance her responsibilities as a single mother. LifeWorks workforce programs provided her with the flexibility and guidance she needed to pursue meaningful work while caring for her daughter. 

Through these programs, Camila secured a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position that aligned with her passion for nursing.  

"It was flexible enough so that I could take my daughter to daycare and pick her up on time," she said.  

Workforce also equipped her with valuable skills, including navigating diverse communication styles and collaborating on projects through LifeWorks Impactful Voices initiative,  

“[The experience] made me realize that voice is so important no matter who it’s coming from,” she said. 

One project she found particularly meaningful during her time as an Impact Generalist was developing a cookbook for foster youth to help them maximize their grocery budgets.  

"It was nice to see people actually listening and using our suggestions," she said. "It let me know that my voice mattered." 

Looking Ahead: Building a Life on Her Terms 

Today, Camila is proud of how far she’s come. Stability means having her own space, paying rent, and providing for her daughter, but it also means the freedom to dream. She envisions a future where she progresses her nursing career, explores interests like boxing and esthetics, and continues discovering what makes her happy. Most importantly, she looks forward to giving back.  

"I’m not giving up," she said. "I have so many creative thoughts and things I want to strive for.” 

Camila’s journey is a reminder that stability isn’t one-size-fits-all. For her, it’s about creating a life where she can thrive and explore new opportunities. 

A Message for Others 

For those considering LifeWorks, Camila offers this advice: "Sit down with yourself and see what you need instead of being told what you need. Here, you’ll have the space to make your own decisions and grow on your own terms." 

Camila’s journey highlights how holistic support can solve youth homelessness:. Iit is more than just housing and shelter. It includes giving each young person the space to discover their own strength and resilience, leading them to shape their own futures and achieve their own vision of stability and independence. 

Written by Tara Chbeir, Communications Specialist