Stories

Yolanda was Hope Springs’ very first resident and program graduate. Since leaving the program, she has been approved for an affordable, sober living apartment complex. She has found employment at a fast food restaurant where she will soon begin training to become a general manager, and even recently purchased a…

In January of 2022, Diana arrived at Hope Springs after spending time in rehab. She had spent six years without a home, living by the river. Before Diana was homeless, she was a scientist in the Bay Area — she received her PhD in Microbiology from USF. In between jobs,…

In 2020, Kendra was a healthcare worker on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing three jobs in pulmonary care, mental health, and the nonprofit space. At a certain point, things became overwhelming, leading to compassion fatigue and burnout. “I was a workaholic basically,” Kendra later reflected. “Uncomfortable in my…

In 2012, Debbie* was living in a rural town in Nevada when she got sick with pneumonia. One morning, her husband of nearly 40 years woke her up when he saw her lips were blue and she was barely breathing. Debbie was moved to a hospital in Reno where she…

Putting yourself first is an important part of taking control of your health. For busy moms, that can be hard to do. Nancy, a mother balancing a hectic schedule, knew this all too well. “In my life, I have always put my family first,” she said.“Their needs first.” Over time,…

In 2019, Cindy was granted guardianship of her grandson Jason. Jason came to Cindy traumatized with emotional scars from some tough years. Focused on helping him heal, Cindy got Jason established as a patient at HOPES with pediatrician Dr. Kathleen O’Connor. “I felt pretty alone. Without resources,” Cindy explains. “This…

When Riley first started meeting with HOPES Registered Dietitian Kate Ault, she was overweight, depressed, and feeling discouraged about her future. Four months later and 70 pounds lighter, Riley is full of hope and praise for her HOPES care team. “I feel a lot better because I’ve lost a lot…