Testimonials

My name is Ruth, and I’m a 26-year-old single mom of two. Life had become a whirlwind of changes, especially in my relationships, and I found myself overwhelmed by sadness and stress. Self-care? A distant memory. Healthy boundaries? Nonexistent. That’s what brought me to Mariposa. I knew I needed support, not just for myself, but for my kids too. I was determined to find my way back to happiness and a sense of balance.

From the moment I started working with the team here, I felt a spark of hope. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I was committed to reaching my personal and mental health goals. And honestly? I’m amazed at the progress I’ve made. I’m not the same person who walked through those doors a few months ago. I used to be so shy, so hesitant to open up to anyone. Now, I can actually connect with people, share my thoughts and feelings without that crippling fear. It’s incredibly freeing.

One of the biggest breakthroughs has been learning to establish healthy boundaries. For so long, I let people walk all over me. Learning to say “no,” to prioritize my own needs, has been transformative. It’s reduced my stress levels dramatically, and I feel like I’m finally getting the respect I deserve. I’m also learning to be kinder to myself, to accept that I don’t have to be perfect, and to be realistic about what I can handle.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’m learning to embrace self-care. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a quiet walk in the park, a good workout, or just connecting with a friend, I’m making time for myself. Being part of the group at Mariposa has been a lifeline, too. Sharing experiences with other women who understand what I’m going through has been incredibly validating and empowering.

I can’t say enough good things about Mariposa. The on-site childcare is a godsend. Knowing my kids are happy and well-cared for while I’m in my sessions makes it possible for me to focus on my own healing. It’s such a relief.

I used to carry this weight of inadequacy, this feeling that I was never good enough. I was constantly chasing perfection, and the sadness when I fell short was crushing. But something has shifted. I feel a sense of liberation. I’m giving myself permission to enjoy life, to pursue things that make me happy. I’m learning to let go of the negativity and embrace my own strength and resilience. I’m not just a mom; I’m Ruth. And I’m finally learning to love and accept all of me. The journey is ongoing, but I’m confident that I’m on the right path.

I’m a 36-year-old Iranian American mom of two, and I’ve reached a point where I knew I needed help. The challenges I’ve faced – from domestic violence to depression and anxiety, and now the complexities of divorce and custody – had become too much to bear alone. It felt like everything was crashing down at once. That’s what led me to CalWORKs, and ultimately, to the wonderful team at Mariposa Women and Family Center (MWFC). I was referred for behavioral health services because my anxiety and depression were overwhelming, fueled by the constant negativity with my ex-husband and the seemingly endless divorce and custody proceedings. On top of that, there was the grief, the deep sadness for the loss of my marriage and all the other changes that had turned my world upside down.

Since September 2015, I’ve been coming to individual counseling sessions, and I also joined the MWFC Grieving Separation and Divorce Group. It’s been a lifeline. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned here is that I have the right to say “no.” It sounds simple, but it’s been revolutionary for me. I’m also learning to let go of the self-blame that used to consume me. It’s a process, but I’m getting there.

Even with the daily stress, frustration, and anxiety that come with my divorce and custody case, I’m managing to keep things together. I’m still able to meet my obligations, care for my children (who are my absolute world), socialize (which is so important!), take care of myself (a work in progress, but I’m trying!), exercise (a great stress reliever), and even hold down a part-time job. It’s not always easy, but I’m doing it.

What I’m most proud of is how I feel about myself now. I feel more competent, more capable of handling my emotions. And, maybe most importantly, I’m developing a real sense of confidence in my decision-making. It’s measurable, tangible. It’s like a light is starting to shine through the darkness.

I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the consistent support and effective therapy I’ve received from the MWFC team. They’ve been instrumental in helping me navigate this incredibly painful transition. They’re helping me be the mother I want to be, the person I want to be. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Hi, I’m Karri, and for the past ten months, Mariposa has been my haven. I came here feeling completely overwhelmed, drowning in stress. Juggling school, home, and everything else in my life felt impossible, and I was turning to alcohol to escape, often drinking until I blacked out. It was a dark time. But now, things are so different. I’m learning healthy ways to cope with stress and manage my responsibilities. Instead of reaching for a drink, I’m spending precious time with my children and, something I hadn’t done in a long time, taking care of myself.

One of the biggest victories in my ten months at Mariposa has been my sobriety. Five months strong! It hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced some incredibly difficult times, including losing my boyfriend and grandmother to cancer. Those losses were devastating, but somehow, I’ve managed to stay focused on school and, most importantly, stay sober. I’ve learned to be strong, to problem-solve, and to make better choices for myself.

I love coming to Mariposa. It’s a safe and supportive space where I can share my thoughts, feelings, and worries without judgment. The feedback and support I’ve received have been invaluable, making a truly positive impact on my life. For the first time in a long time, I have hope. Hope that my life can be so much better, that I can have a “normal” life. I’m determined to finish school next year and find a job that will allow me to build a good life for myself and my children. I’m excited for what the future holds.

Hi, I’m Maria, and I’m currently in rehabilitation. When I first came to Mariposa, I honestly had no idea how much it would help me. At that point, I was struggling deeply with alcohol. I’d lost the trust of my wife, my family, and my friends. I felt completely alone. It was after an overdose that I was referred here. I was lost, unsure of what to do with my life.

But something shifted when I started attending Mariposa’s Substance Use Program and my individual counseling sessions. I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle. That realization gave me hope, and the strength to keep going with my treatment. The withdrawal symptoms were incredibly hard to cope with, but I’m so proud to say that I got through it. And now? I’ve been sober for a year! My life has completely transformed. I’m making better decisions, and my relationships with my wife and family have improved dramatically. We’re communicating so much better now.

I wholeheartedly recommend Mariposa to anyone facing a similar situation. They showed me that there are people outside of your family and friends who genuinely care and are willing to help. I’m still motivated to come to my individual sessions and group meetings because I learn something new every single day. I still have goals I want to achieve, and with the incredible support I’ve been receiving here, I have no doubt I’ll reach them. I always leave my sessions at Mariposa feeling inspired, knowing that everything is possible. Si se Puede!

I’m a 36-year-old Hispanic father of two, and my life to this point has been complicated. Looking back, my childhood was marked by trauma. Severe bullying and abuse from a sibling were a constant. As we got older, it escalated, culminating in a suicide attempt when I was just 13. I did receive some help then, but the anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence lingered. Even as I grew older, became educated, and explored the world, those old ghosts were always there, lurking in the shadows.

Eventually, the depression and anxiety became overwhelming, making it impossible to hold down a job. That’s what led me to CalWORKs, and thankfully, to Mariposa. Coming here has been a turning point. Through counseling, I finally found the support I desperately needed. I started to understand the importance of boundaries, something I’d never really grasped before. And, perhaps most importantly, I developed tools to combat the constant weight of depression and anxiety.

I still experience lingering symptoms, they haven’t magically disappeared. But I’ve learned more effective coping skills. I’ve found strength in raising my children; they are my everything. My thirst for knowledge, that fire within me, is still burning bright. And I’m actively looking for work, determined to build a better future for myself and my kids.

I’m still striving for improvement, working on developing healthy boundaries in all areas of my life. It’s an ongoing process, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m moving forward, not just surviving. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, and I’m hopeful for what the future holds.

My name is Gina, and I’m a 40-year-old mother of two wonderful boys, ages 14 and 12. We live with my parents in Mission Viejo. They’ve been incredible, taking care of my family for the past ten years, ever since my husband went to prison. Those years have been…dark. I battled deep depression for almost nine years, retreating to my room, a prisoner of my own sadness. I barely came out, maybe to see my family in the living room every few days. I hated myself, couldn’t even bear to look in the mirror. Leaving the house was a monumental task, something I only did when my parents insisted.

Eventually, they gently but firmly pushed me to get help. They brought me to the social services office, and that’s where things started to shift, though not without a lot of resistance from me. When my social worker told me I needed to start preparing for a job, I completely freaked out. I cried uncontrollably. She asked if I’d consider counseling, and I flatly refused. I didn’t see the point. I didn’t think I could get better. My social worker explained that if I didn’t participate in job search activities, I would be sanctioned unless I went to counseling and got some time off. Reluctantly, I agreed.

Then Sara called me from Mariposa. I was defensive, making sure she knew I wasn’t “crazy” and that she couldn’t take my kids away. She was so kind, so patient. She reassured me that her only intention was to support me. For the first time in a long time, I felt heard, truly understood. I actually wanted to meet her. From then on, I looked forward to my counseling sessions every week. I’d get butterflies the night before, thinking about what I wanted to talk about. Each session felt like peeling back a layer, revealing how ugly I felt inside. But Sara never judged. She always smiled and told me I was beautiful and strong. I didn’t believe her at first. I told her it was just her job to make me feel good. It took four months for me to truly trust that she genuinely cared. I pushed myself to keep my commitments, showing up for appointments as much as I could, even when I had to find a ride or take the bus. After seven years, I finally went to see a doctor. I became more involved in my sons’ lives. I even changed my son’s school to protect him from bullying. I couldn’t believe I was doing all of this, all by myself.

I still have days when I cry, retreat to my room, and have those dark thoughts about not wanting to be here. But those days are fewer now. I’ve even started a DUI program to get my license back after ten long years. I go to church on Sundays with my parents and sons, and I’m finding joy in supporting women who sew quilts. And, finally, I agreed to take medication for my depression, which has made a world of difference. I never thought things could change in that dark, silent hole I lived in. But God heard me, and brought light back into my life. I found hope with Sara. She always finds a way to show me a window of hope. Thank you for helping me and my family. I hope you can trust my story. If I can do it, you can try too.

I’m a 43-year-old Hispanic woman, and the past year has been the most challenging of my life. My 13-year-old daughter struggles with serious allergies, which is a constant worry. But the biggest blow came when my husband suffered two brain aneurysms and a stroke. It happened about a year ago, and he was hospitalized for the entire time, completely incapacitated, unable to walk or talk. It was devastating.

His medical issues created a ripple effect of financial and emotional pain for our family. We lost our home, our business, everything. The stress was unbearable. I felt overwhelmed, confused, angry, and constantly stressed. It affected everything, even my relationship with my daughter, which was already strained by her own health issues.

After a few months of therapy, I started to feel a shift. Therapy helped me focus on self-care, something I hadn’t prioritized in years. It gave me tools to cope with the overwhelming stress and anxiety that had become my constant companions. I learned how to navigate my teenage daughter’s emotional struggles at school, and, amazingly, I began to understand her better and communicate with her more effectively. It felt like I was finally able to breathe again, just a little.

A couple of months after my case at Behavioral Health Services closed, I reached out to my counselor. I had some wonderful news to share. My husband was finally home from the hospital! It was a long and difficult journey, but he was back. And, incredibly, we were able to rent a two-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t much, but it was ours. I just wanted to thank my counselor for her support during such a dark and difficult time. She was a lifeline when I felt like I was drowning.

My experience at Mariposa was definitely challenging. To be honest, there were times I was ready to quit my substance use education class. It wasn’t easy facing the reality that life isn’t always easy. I even thought, “Maybe I’ll just go when I want,” but something shifted. Suddenly, I actually looked forward to Tuesdays. Tina, my counselor, and the other women in the group were so kind. I never felt judged or criticized, even for my language or my struggles with reading English. I learned so much from those women, their stories, their strength.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was about responsibility – taking responsibility for my actions. It was a hard pill to swallow, but so necessary. I also realized that I don’t need drugs in my life. My family… they’re worth everything to me. Nothing, absolutely nothing, should ever take their place. That realization was a turning point.

Now, I feel a sense of peace I haven’t felt in years. I can actually talk about who I was when I was lost in drugs, and maybe, just maybe, my experience can help other women who are struggling. That thought gives me hope.

Thank you, everyone at Mariposa, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, Tina, for helping me understand the purpose of my life! For the first time, I believe in myself, I respect myself! Thank you for letting me be a part of your program.

I’m a 58-year-old Hispanic grandmother, and my life took an unexpected turn when I, essentially, became a mother again. My son, due to his own mental health limitations, wasn’t able to provide and care for his daughter, so I stepped in and assumed parental rights over my then 9-year-old granddaughter. It was a huge responsibility, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. It also added another layer of complexity to my already challenging life.

In November of 2013, I was referred to Mariposa Women and Family Center by CalWORKs Behavioral Health. I was struggling with depression and anxiety, and it felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. On top of everything else, I had a history of domestic violence. In fact, the last three long-term relationships I’d been in, including my most recent one of three years, were all abusive. It was a cycle I desperately needed to break.

My mental health plan at Mariposa included medication services, a domestic violence group once a week, and individual counseling, also once a week. It was a lot to juggle, but I knew I needed the support. I learned coping tools to manage my symptoms, and slowly, I started to feel more stable. This was crucial, not just for me, but for my granddaughter, who had been diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD. She needed me to be strong for her. I volunteered at her school, making sure she got the extra support she needed, and I was adamant that she never missed her own counseling sessions.

Through my work at Mariposa, I began to set goals for myself, something I hadn’t done in years. I learned about healthy boundaries, and how to establish and maintain them. And, finally, I found the strength to break free from the cycle of domestic violence. Leaving that relationship was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the most liberating. Now, I’m excited to share that I’m enrolled in CNA school, and I’m on track to complete it in May! My journey with Mariposa came to a close in April of 2016, but the impact they had on my life will stay with me forever. The group and individual counseling supported me when I felt like I couldn’t support myself. I will be forever grateful for the role they played in helping me rebuild my life.