In and out of jail, drug abuse - this was Jennifer and Richard's life. Jennifer became pregnant and they both made the commitment to change their lives for their unborn child. The determined couple took steps to reach their goal. First, they each checked into individual rehabilitation programs with the resolve to become healthy. Jennifer gave birth to a healthy, drug free baby boy they named Gabriel. Successfully completing the programs, the next step was to become self-sufficient. Their past life had caused them to lose everything. Even though they were now clean and healthy, they were a family without a home.
They entered Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service's (FIES) New Vista Transitional Living Center in April 2007. Richard worked in construction and Jennifer obtained a job as a podiatrist's assistant. They worked hard and successfully completed the program in September after paying off $11,000 in debt, saving $2,500 and still had an additional $1,500 t0 pay expenses to move into their own apartment in Anaheim, Calif.
Jennifer and Richard are a shining success story. When an opening for a resident manager arose at New Vista Transitional Living Center, the outstanding couple was FIES Executive Director Judi Bambas' first choice for this key position.
"I'm thrilled to have Jennifer and Richard on staff. They are fabulous role models for our clients. Richard is hardworking and dedicated to helping the residents. Jennifer is still working and attending Fullerton College training to be a registered nurse. There is no limit to what this couple will achieve," said Bambas.
