Human Services Campus - Helping others to help themselves

Campus Success Stories
The Human Services Campus is proud to introduce you to the people you have helped break out of the cycle of homelessness. These amazing individuals have created powerful change in their lives, and in doing so they are shinning becons of hope to all who still suffer the stigma and despair of life on the streets. Their stories are individual, yet they all share one important commonality, they found their way to the Human Services Campus. We are honored that they have chosen to share their personal journeys with the world, in their own words, to let all of us know that there is a way out of homelessness.
	Eliza Dutra My name is Eliza Dutra. For five years I was homeless, living hand to mouth in an unsafe part of the city. My nights were spent sleeping near the railroad tracks, my days were spent mindlessly existing while under the spell of crack. After twelve years of addiction, I reached a point where I had no introspective thought and all emotions were blocked. My life on the street had succeeded in producing an ever-present darkness that encompassed my body, mind and soul. Without warning, an unexpected intrusion into my drug-obsessed life shattered my thick, unfeeling exterior and shined soul-nourishing light into the dark corners of my being. The result of this awakening was that I chose to fight my addiction. After six months in rehab and nine months in a half-way house, I finally realized that my future rested on three things. Be comfortable in my own skin. Be happy with my place in life. Be excited to live each day and explore the new roads I choose to travel. I knew all along that there were people living successful lives, but it never occurred to me that I could also achieve success. Now I am devoting my life to helping others. I am a substance abuse specialist, program supervisor, and working towards getting my degree. My favorite word is 'SUCCESS".

	Clarence Harrington III My name is Clarence Harrington III. At the age of thirteen I was first sent to a juvenile facility. At sixteen, I was sentenced to prison for the first of many offenses. By the age of fifty-two I had spent a total of twenty-three years behind bars and over twenty years addicted to crack. Upon moving to Phoenix, I became another one of the city's many homeless substance abusers. I was living out of dumpsters and sleeping on sidewalks. Most nights my fitful sleep came only after tears of shame, regret, and thoughts of wanting to die. Filthy, funky, and broken, I had nearly reached bottom when I met a staff member form Southwest Behavioral Health Services. We talked of my addiction and anti-social behavior and I was given the chance to work at Maryvale Hospital in spite of my background. I soon found myself amidst friendly and dedicated professionals. However, it was the grieving families of the sick and lost, who drew my compassion and concern. i volunteered with hospice of Arizona, became a speaker and donated my time and effort to Southwest Behavioral Health Services. I now work as a client coordinator at the Lodestar Day Resource Center. My life experience has become a hard-earned asset. I now know that there is much I can give as there is always someone in a worse condition than mine. I am now richly rewarded through my service to others.

	Jeff Crawley My name is Jeff. I once had a successful life with a wife, kids and property. Following my mother's death, a crushing divorce, and the loss of almost all of my earthly possessions, I found myself on a bus with a one way ticket to Phoenix. Besides my two small bags, I had a reawakened Spirituality that I trusted to lead me in the right direction. Upon arrival, a nameless stranger led me from downtown to lunch at St. Vincent de Paul. From there I found rest in the CASS Overflow Shelter. Within a week God had led me to another stranger who led me to a job. I was later employed by the City of Phoenix, another miracle, as they had a hiring freeze at the time. Eventually, I opened myself to another change and a pay cut to join an energy conservation company. I am now a regional manager, active in my church, prayer study, and men's meetings. My true journey has just begun. My homeless experience has kept me centered, and I will always remember the depths form which I emerged, and who led me to a rebirth. I assure you that anybody can make it. My passion is to spread the word:"Let go, Let God." I see myself ultimately studying for the ministry, and sharing my experience full time with those who may best benefit.

	George Corely My name is George. I became homeless one winter and wasn't sure where to go. I decided on Phoenix mostly because it had to be better than the cold, rainy weather that i was enduring along the Oregon Coast. I am 67 years old and my major source of income is Social Security. After arriving in Phoenix, I was directed to the Human Services Campus where I was approached by two men who were wearing "Ask Me" shirts. I asked, and they directed me to the Justa Center. here I found services available for those of us who are over 55 years of age. The caring people that I came into contact with got me set up in the CASS Overflow Shelter, and later that night I was woken up and told to "Get your stuff, your going to CASS." Eventually, the wonderful people at the Justa Center located an apartment that was ready to occupy, and the rent would be based on my income. That afternoon my application was accepted. What good news! I want everyone to know that I have something to smile about. Thanks to the help of many wonderful people, and the great organizations. I am no longer homeless. I am able to enjoy my life and find happiness each and every day. So, to all of you, I wish a very heartfelt "Thank You!!" Respectfully Yours, George Corely

	Nancy Gerlach By my twenty-fifth birthday I was homeless, chewed up and spit out onto the streets of Phoenix. I was devastated spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The last year I felt like a dog who winced at any movement. With nowhere to go, I cried and begged a police officer to help me, but he said the shelters were full and drove off. Everyone looked at me as if I was disgusting ...I believed them. With no Human Services Campus available at the time, I was lucky in that my family made it possible for me to receive in patient treatment. SInce April, 1994 I have been clean, sober, and passionate about helping those who lack this family support. Today my life is amazing and full. I am currently earning my Master's Degree in Social Work at ASU. I am married, own a home, have solid friendships, a rewarding career and have traveled around the world. I am surrounded by amazing people who are genuine and creative. It is my privilege to assist those people who are most in need of life's other basics: community, love, acceptance, and inspiration. I begin each day excited at the prospect of witnessing transformation, as when a client succeeds, or watching as someone from the outside community willingly opens their heart or challenges their own perceptions or stereotypes.

	Miguel Quintero My name is Miguel. I started using drugs when I was fourteen years old. As a result, I was kicked out of high school and my father’s home by the age of sixteen. I found myself with no place to go until I found Safe Haven, a shelter for minors. I was given the choice of military school or becoming a ward of the state. I chose military school, and upon completion, was returned to my mom. By the time I was eighteen, I was back using drugs. To support my habit, I wronged many people and did many illegal things. I had become an adult, but never took responsibility for my actions. Even after trying rehab, I continued making poor decisions. Over the next few years, for every step up, there seemed to be two steps down. One day I was staying in the CASS shelter and found within myself the desire to change. The shelter provided help through case managers and staff. The structured environment, AA meetings, and being around sober people gave me a firm foundation as I struggled to overcome my addiction. Through the many services provided by CASS and the Lodestar Day Resource Center, I created a plan, was outfitted with proper work clothes, and given the tools needed to find job. I am employed and beginning a new life at the Salvation Army. I now have my kids at my side and am responsible for their upbringing. I feel great!

	Diane Nevels My name is Diane Nevels. I was born the fourteenth of fifteen children, all of whom are addicts. After my husband’s death, I moved from Cleveland to Phoenix to make a fresh start. Unfortunately, my addiction came along as well. At the lowest point, I was homeless and sleeping in my car. After a dark and fog-shrouded year, I finally told myself: “I’m not sleepin’ in my car no more.” Once I decided to change my life, I discovered that there were people nearby who could help. But what may have been an even more important discovery was the fact that while I was getting help, I could help others. After I volunteered my services to the Justa Center and Andre House, I was rewarded with guidance, meals, and structure. All of which helped me realize that it was a waste of time looking backward, so I began attending AA meetings and learned to make my surroundings work for me. After six months of staying clean, I entered the Transitional Living Community in Mesa and then the UMOM Program for Single Tenants. Through St Joseph the Worker, I enrolled in, and completed the St Mary’s Culinary Arts Program and the Advanced Management Leadership Program. I am now employed full time and living on my own with over eighteen months of hard won sobriety. When people ask me how I have accomplished all this, I can only say that I knew that there was something different, something better out there. You gotta want it, so don’t give up and don’t give in.

	John Ritso Just one year before this picture was taken I boarded a bus for Phoenix with one thousand dollars and high hopes. Unfortunately, I soon found out that there were few job openings for a computer repair and web site designer who was sixty-four years old, an ex-convict, and a recovering alcoholic. From there it was a short journey to homelessness. While on the street, with nowhere to go, no money, and no one to help, I heard about the CASS homeless shelter. I found it, and was given a case manager and a plan to follow. Surprisingly, and to my delight, I found all the tools I needed to advance my plan were available on the Human Services Campus. Inside the Lodestar Day Resource Center I found help in obtaining identification, substance abuse counseling, employment services, government programs, as well as assistance with low-income housing, health and dental care, and guidance. When I expressed my desire to volunteer to help those who are homeless, I was put in touch with Chaplain Dave Goodall of the Ecumenical Chaplaincy for the Homeless. After a short time, the Chaplain hired me and now I help others regain lost identification cards so they can get jobs, housing, or food stamps. I am now blessed to be doing the most personally rewarding work that I have ever done. I am fulfilled when I can help ease someone’s burden and help them ascend the ladder of success. I love what I am doing and believe that if you knock on enough doors, God will open one.

	Matt Judah My name is Matt Judah. I am fifty-two years old and until the onset of severe depression, I was like you. I had a wife, friends and family to support me, a challenging career, a large house to live in, and a hefty retirement fund. One evening I found myself huddled outside the CASS Overflow Shelter with only the clothes I was wearing and no idea of what to do next. I eventually stumbled into the Lodestar Day Resource Center where I was counseled on available services and then gently guided to seek medical attention at the Healthcare for the Homeless Clinic. For over five months I was housed at the CASS Shelter. I ate at St Vincent de Paul’s, got clothing at Andre House, and escaped the heat at the LDRC. This was where I reacquired vital paperwork needed to get a job and a secure mailing address. Without these services I would not have been able to start over. Through a creative writing class I found relief from my confusion and rebuilt my self-esteem. I now have an enjoyable and challenging job and have reentered the “real world” where people again look at me, and not through me. As you read this, remember that words are powerful; they can help or harm, praise or disdain, teach or deceive. Most importantly, written words offer a voice to those without the resources to share their story in any other way. Thank you for letting me share my experience with you.

	Derron Batten My name is Derron Batten. When I was released from federal prison on October 31, 2006, I was dumped on the streets at 7th Avenue and Van Buren. With no home or family to go to, I ended up living at CASS while I worked on getting a job with the help of St. Joseph the Worker. Although I was glad to be at CASS, after spending years in prison being told what to do, I knew that I wanted to get a place of my own as soon as possible. After helping me find a job, the people at St. Joseph the Worker told me about the Housing Transition Program in the Lodestar Day Resource Center. With the help of LDRC, I finally moved into my own apartment. I feel if someone is homeless and they are trying hard to help themselves, they should come to the Human Services Campus. But you’ve got to work hard and save money to get a place of your own. Rent and food will be your biggest expenses and it’s not easy at first. But if you have strong willpower and you work at it, you will make it.