Unity Care Success Stories

Marquita

Marquita’s mother gave her away as "collateral for drugs" before she was seven. Before joining the Unity Care family, where she currently resides in one of our transitional homes, Marquita suffered through volatile visits with her father and stepmother, and spent several tumultuous years in and out of foster homes.

Since joining the Unity Care family, Marquita has graduated from high school and secured a job working as a Teacher's Assistant. She will attend Evergreen Community College in the fall where she will pursue her interests in education and writing children's books.

Cesar

Cesar was born in Mexico and moved to California with his mother at a very young age. His mother died a few years later, landing Cesar in the foster care system. Upon turning 18, Cesar lost his eligibility for foster care but Unity Care opened the door, providing a home and support network in one of our transitional homes.

Cesar has demonstrated a commitment to succeeding through hard work and independence. He recently obtained his GED and is now attending Evergreen Community College. He is a valued employee for Costco where he is saving money to purchase family land in Mexico. Cesar also is using this opportunity to save money for a permanent place of his own when he graduates from the Transitional Housing Program.

Alicia

Alicia is unique – not because of her sparkling blue eyes, or charming smile, or endearing giggles. Not even because she just turned 18! Alicia is different from other girls her age because she is an achiever in spite of her circumstances.

Alicia had suffered enough before reaching the shelter home in Salinas in 2001. “The first time around in that house I went nuts,” recalls Alicia. “I would go up on the roof, cut myself, just do something to attract attention.” Alicia was moved between houses 7 and 8 because of disciplinary reasons, had become bulimic and enjoyed her stays at the hospitals. “I used to hate it when people would give someone else more attention than me. I never liked any of the girls at the houses,” says Alicia. But after a while things started changing. “I started realizing how my behavior affected others,” says Alicia softly. “I knew I could do something different, be someone good.” Her counselors and social workers helped get her enrolled in school and she started working toward a goal – that of leading an independent, self-sufficient and happy lifestyle. “I always hated Math – I still do,” says Alicia. “But the counselors helped get my education on track.”

Today Alicia works 27 to 35 hours a week at Longs Drugs as a customer service representative. Within two months of starting her job she got promoted from being one of the cashiers to an assistant at the pharmacy – a promotion she takes much pride in because of the increased responsibilities associated with it. “My supervisors keep telling me that I am the only one they don’t have to keep an eye on,” she says beaming with joy. It’s been a long journey for Alicia, but she enjoys taking up the challenges and coming out of them unscathed and even more determined.

Tammi Abshire, who worked with Alicia during her stay in Salinas, says, “Alicia used to be really emotional and it was difficult getting around her, but she’s more in control now. She has really matured.” Alicia won a $1500 scholarship this year at the golf tournament, she was named resident of the year in 2002, has been maintaining her grades in school and has a very good relationship with her peers. “The best thing about her is that she gets along with everyone,” says Dawn Wiliams, coordinator of the Independent Living Program. “There is a point where girls will not get along with each other but that’s not the case with Alicia.”

As she works her way toward graduating from her high school, Alicia has already made plans for the future. Her blue eyes sparkle with dreams of being a day care center manager some day and her confident smile says she will make that dream come true.