Peer Stories

By: Vincent Carranza Childhood adversity can leave lasting effects, especially when it is compounded by systemic instability and unresolved trauma. For me, growing up in a dysfunctional household with a single mother who was also struggling with her own past created challenges that would ultimately shape the direction of my

Life does not always unfold as I hope, and as a parent, I’ve faced unexpected challenges that deeply affected both my family and my own well-being. Navigating my son’s struggles with substance use and mental health became a journey that showed me just how important support, connection, and community resources

A single moment can alter the course of life. For me, a tragic car accident during childhood became a defining experience, one that would later shape my commitment to healing, advocacy, and community service. As a young boy, my family and I were involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident.