top of page
IMG_8539.jpeg
Rosalinda

Mother of three children, ages 11, 12, and 15

Rosalinda grew up in the foster care system due to her mother’s struggles with drug addiction and was eventually adopted by an elderly woman whom her children came to know as their grandmother. Throughout her life, Rosalinda moved frequently with her children, facing homelessness, including a period on Skid Row. During this time, school provided a safe space where her children could eat and wash up. Her son was diagnosed with severe mood disorder and struggles with bedwetting as a side effect, while also facing social isolation at school. Rosalinda herself has a learning disability and was diagnosed with bipolar depression.

Her family has endured significant trauma, including involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). After escaping domestic violence in Washington, Rosalinda returned to Long Beach, where she secured an Emergency Housing Voucher and stable housing. In February 2022, she was matched with Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS). Family Promise helped her maintain her housing, and a year into their support, Rosalinda disclosed that she had been using cocaine but made the decision to quit in order to break the cycle and be the best mother she could be for her children. Family Promise assisted her in moving out of a rat-infested unit into their Long Beach Transitional Shelter from May to August 2023. They successfully rehoused her and helped cover the security deposit for her new home.

Recently, Rosalinda lost her adoptive mother to cancer, a significant loss as this was the only mother figure she had known and a major source of support for her and her children. Despite this tragedy, Rosalinda remains resilient. Her late mother left her a car, which has been a huge blessing. Today, Rosalinda has overcome many barriers, including achieving sobriety, securing employment, maintaining housing, and working towards obtaining her driver’s license.

 

With the help of Family Promise, Rosalinda is now focused on improving her mental health while her children are thriving in school and receiving the mental health support they need. She is actively seeking employment and continuing her education, grateful for the resources that have enabled her family to stabilize and move forward.

bottom of page