Inspiring Story

Denise K. has been a Step Up member for many years while experiencing homelessness for six years in Santa Monica. She has struggled with many incidents of violence and has been housed for three months in Venice. She continues to build healthy relationships with community members and peers in her new neighborhood. She is consistently consulting with her therapist and developing new goals with her case managers.

Denise K. is focusing on reducing some impulsive behaviors, developing and implementing a routine and further healing from trauma and isolation. She has managed to work diligently with different members of her team to overcome these hurdles. While Denise K. struggles with addiction and mental health conditions, there have been many triumphs and successes. Denise K. continues to strive towards wellness and find “peace in her life” with the support of family, Step Up staff and friends.