Success Stories

Valerie Smith: A Former Client Returns...As A Counselor

The road to recovery is often winding and difficult. From time to time, former clients return to the houses for another trip through the program. Recently, a former client walked through the Excelsior House doors not for another 28-day stay, but for an 8-hour shift as a counselor, working through a temp agency. That former client was Valerie Smith. Valerie completed the Excelsior House program in August, 2003. In a recent interview, she told the Bulletin the story of what brought her to Excelsior House and the strides she has made since graduating the program.

I first came to Excelsior House after I lost my job and lost my apartment in 2002. I got sick—Type II Diabetes—and was no longer able to pay my bills. I couldn’t get funding. I was homeless, I was feeling suicidal, flat on my back. I prayed to God. A friend gave me a list of placements. It just so happened that Excelsior House had one bed left.

I stayed at Excelsior House for the full 28 days, did the program, no problems. They got me into Portals. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but knew I wanted to go back to school. I was searching for my niche and it came to me—human services. I went to community college. While I was going to school, I was still homeless. I slept in my car. I would go into restaurants and friends’ houses to bathe.

I was holding down two jobs and going to school. What worked for me was being able to let go of ego, self-pride, being able to follow direction, and always, always take care of my mental health…because if you don’t take care of your mental health, you will feel like a failure when you’re not a failure. Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut with depression. It’s important that you talk to a therapist and take your meds.

I worked part-time as a youth advocate at the LAGLC (Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center) and a family services case manager at the Ocean Park Community Center. I got my AA degree and obtained a certification in counseling. Now I’m working toward my Bachelors. Eventually, I want to get my Masters in human services or psychology.

I am a recovering addict of crack cocaine for 14 years…but I did backslide with alcohol while I was homeless. I started applying the Twelve Steps to my life. Now it’s been three years since I used drugs or alcohol. My favorite affirmation: “Anything the mind can conceive, the heart will achieve.”

Now I have my own place—a one-bedroom apartment; I drive an ’06; and I take care of myself. I rely and depend upon me. You feel better about yourself when you know it’s you making your own accomplishments. Life is about choices, not excuses. Put that in bold!

I’ve come a long way. If I can help another person by telling my story, that’s a wonderful thing. I was on the outside looking in; now I’m on the inside looking out. If I could do it, anyone else could do it if they want it bad enough. And I still have yet further to go.

Valerie has recently been honored by the State of California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles for outstanding achievement and “in recognition for dedicated service to the affairs of the community.”

Congratulations, Valerie! Wishing you continued success!

Know of a success story for the next bulletin? Write us at ejb@didihirsch.org!

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