Jeff’s Story

People can and do change for the better—even after decades of challenges. Here at LifeMoves, we see this change happen every single day as our clients put in the hard work to improve themselves and their lives.

Since he was 19 years old, Jeff struggled with drug use and his deteriorating mental health, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression but never seeking treatment. He lived at home with his parents, but eventually, tensions came to a head, and Jeff’s parents wouldn’t allow him to live there anymore. “I was doing drugs. My family didn’t want me at the house, so they kicked me out, and I never went back.”

That moment was a catalyst for the next 20 years. Jeff succumbed to his addiction and made increasingly self-destructive choices, spending time in and out of prison. But after almost two decades without a home or job, Jeff resolved to change his course. His probation officer referred him to LifeMoves and, in May 2020, Jeff moved into Julian Street Inn (JSI).

“Jeff came to JSI with a negative self-image. His entire identity was shaped around his background, his criminal record, his addiction, and just general dissatisfaction for the world and how he exists in it,” Fannie, Case Manager at LifeMoves, recalled.

The transition to staying in a shelter was difficult, but Jeff was determined to improve his life. He diligently followed his case plan, applying for any job listings he found and saving his money. While he met some suggestions with resistance and frequently got discouraged, Fannie responded with patience and firm encouragement.

“Fannie and I butted heads; we’re both stubborn. But she called me out on stuff, and it did help.”

Despite setting aside a considerable amount of money and showing progress in his return to stability, Jeff had doubts about whether he was ready to support himself. “It was challenging because I suffer from anxiety and depression, fear of the unknown. I didn’t want to leave JSI until I knew I had a stable, permanent job.”

He attended therapy and leaned on staff for support. Jeff became close friends with one of his dorm mates who, after starting a new job himself, referred Jeff to the same company. Jeff started as a temp making n95 masks, and, after six months of hard work, he was hired full-time.

Having saved close to $3,000 and confident in his stable employment, Jeff moved out of JSI in January 2021 and into a shared room in a sober living environment in Santa Clara. He has been sober since May 2018, and he remains grateful for his job, continued friendship, and time at JSI.

“Just being productive really helped,” Jeff shares. “[Fannie] got me to do the things I needed to do and helped me become a better person—it means a lot to me.”

Jeff looks forward to his independence, spending time with his girlfriend, and moving into his own place soon. He reflects on his more than 20-year journey: “Homelessness isn’t the end; there’s always a way to get out of a situation if you put the work in. [LifeMoves] helped me so I wasn’t stuck in the same rut I was in before. It’s always possible to move forward.”