My healing journey began 11 years ago when I arrived in the United States, escaping domestic violence. At that moment, I found invaluable support from Community Legal Services, which helped me take my first steps toward emotional and legal well-being. However, it was at RESTORE where I truly began my emotional transformation. For over two years, RESTORE's cognitive processing therapy has helped me heal deep wounds, strengthen my skills, and reignite talents I thought were lost. I am deeply grateful to my therapist, Maura Lester, for guiding me with professionalism and compassion, and to the RESTORE team for welcoming me as a Community Advisory Board (CAB) member, empowering others who, like me, once felt there was no way out. Thanks to this process, I have achieved milestones I never imagined: I earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Urban College and am now pursuing my Bachelor's Degree at UMASS Boston. I wrote a children's book (El Señor Libro y el Pececillo de Plata), completed certifications in emotional health and community leadership, co-founded a community organization in East Boston, and established Resplandor Co-op LLC, an educational center. Additionally, RESTORE gave me the opportunity to become certified as a mental health first aid assistant, allowing me to support others on their healing journey. Attached is a painting I created during therapy- a tree surrounded by light, transforming everything around it and bringing life. It represents my own journey of resilience and hope. To those still struggling, I want to say: healing is possible. With support, love, and determination, a new life full of opportunities awaits you. You are not alone.

Being a CAB member I was excited to have the opportunity to complete the Mental Health First Aid Training. Mental Health Illnesses are more common than you can imagine. The coarse prepared me to learn warning signs of depression, trauma, anxiety and addiction disorders teaching me the ability to develop an Action Plan & where to seek professional self help and resources. Giving me the proper tools and knowledge to help people in my Community. Without the support from RESTORE and being chosen to be a CAB member I wouldn't have earned my Certification [in] Mental Health Health First Aid.

Artwork: "She Carries the Wind" by Sammy Rivas. Working with the RESTORE Center has increased my confidence and trust in the reality that people do recover from PTSD. It is a gift and a privilege to join people along their recovery journey and witness the positive impact of engaging in intensive treatment.