Jennifer: “Going From a Cocoon to a Butterfly”

To call Jennifer a survivor would be an understatement because it tells only tell half of her story. She has not only survived severe childhood trauma and homelessness, she has gone on to genuinely thrive and succeed – against steep odds.

Today, she is an accomplished social worker who founded her own nonprofit agency. She also contributes to Abode’s mission while serving on multiple boards. Namely, Jennifer has joined Abode’s Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB). We recently formed LEAB to hear feedback and perspectives from those who have experienced homelessness, to improve the quality of our work.

Jennifer is a survivor of domestic violence and child abuse. After being surrounded by addiction in her youth, she modeled that behavior. Her trauma-filled childhood sent her on a path on which, as an adult, she experience homelessness for more than a decade.

Over time, she got connected to Abode and began her long journey, taking the route of higher education to transform her life.

Years later, Jennifer has succeeded. She holds a Master’s degree from Cal State University, East Bay; and currently is a psychology doctorate student pursuing a PsyD degree at University of the Pacific in Stockton. She also is a mother and wife who owns a home in Northern California.

In addition, she is a member of the Abode Services Board of Directors, helping to lead the organization that once assisted her.

As a LEAB member, Jennifer has begun using her expertise – forged from her studies in academia and her lived experience – to work with fellow board members to help those in need.

“That compassion is what helped me to believe in myself,” Jennifer said. “I love advocacy because so many people don’t have anyone in their corner to help them. It's beautiful to have someone to be there and advocate for you, so you can have the strength to go on and do things for others and yourself.”

She said the help she received from Abode case managers provided a good example of what she can do for others. Jennifer said she wants to provide therapy to participants, especially in the fields of understanding generational trauma and addiction-related trauma.

“It’s about opening up a wound to heal it,” she said. “That’s my view of striving for a job where I can help people: It’s like going from cocoon to a butterfly.”