Choosing a Different Path Forward 

My mother struggled with depression and anxiety, which I later experienced myself. By the time I was 10, she was consistently battling suicidal thoughts. When she remarried when I was 15, I thought life would finally get better, but her new husband turned out to be violent.

I dropped out of high school, ended up on the streets, and started abusing drugs. I felt like I had no hope left. It wasn’t until I found my best friend dead from an overdose that something inside me shifted. I knew I needed to change my life.

So I took a Greyhound bus to California — and that decision changed everything.

When I first arrived in LA, I went to My Friend’s Place just to get food. But I left with something much more valuable: hope. Everybody there was positive and welcoming. I felt seen and cared for in a way I hadn’t felt in years.

Soon, I had a roof over my head, and my boyfriend and I found out we were pregnant. We got married and had our son, the solidifying factor in our new life. My Friend’s Place helped us feel like part of society again. They kept us out of trouble, encouraged us to stay in school, and supported us as we began to build a foundation for our family.

Found Family

My journey shows how transformative support can be when you’re a young parent. The Parenting Group at My Friend’s Place was like having another family. I’ll never forget celebrating Christmas together — they even had Santa. Seeing all the kids excited and sharing that moment with staff and other parents solidified the bond we felt. I still have the framed photo from that day.

Through the program, we met other young parents who had been through similar experiences. Many of those friendships still last today. It was amazing to grow together and support one another as our families built brighter futures.

Fast forward to today, and life looks very different:

• My husband and I have an amazing son.
• I earned a BA in Gender and Women’s Studies.
• My husband has earned a BA in Anthropology.
• I’ve been clean for ten years.

Of all these achievements, my son is my greatest. Knowing he doesn’t struggle with the same depression and self-doubt I did fills me with pride.

My goal is to work with disadvantaged youth, to let them know they have hope for a greater future — even if they can’t see it yet. Everyone deserves happiness and success.

What people should know about My Friend’s Place is how much of an impact it makes on young people. For those experiencing homelessness, who may be struggling with self-worth, just knowing that someone cares and has hope for you is life-changing.

Petra,
My Friend's Place Alumna