For as far back as I can remember I was being sexually abused by someone I loved and trusted. I didn’t know that it was wrong. I thought that it was normal. In my t’weens I realized that it was wrong and I put a stop to it by not allowing myself to be available to that person anymore. Unfortunately the lesson that showing affection meant having sex was deeply engrained into my immature mind. I started enjoying the company of older men at a very young age, even before the sexual abuse stopped. I was drinking, smoking and doing drugs by the time I was 7 years old, so the older people I knew made sure that I was always at the parties.

A few weeks after my 14th birthday I had a few people over for a New Years celebration at my sister’s home while she was out. It was approved of course. Anyway I met what I thought was the man of my dreams. He was 22. It was 1988 when long haired guys in bands were popular. He was my first love. After that night we were exclusive and living together in my parent’s house. He proposed and we were going to get married so we decided to have a baby right away. I had my first child 3 days before my 15th birthday. I spent 1 week in labor sick with toxemia. My body began to fail so I was given a c-section. It was the most horrible experience in my life.

Right before my surgery my doctor decided to parade a bunch of people I did not know into the room. I was naked, tied to the operating table, (the numbing medicine makes your body shake uncontrollably), and they discussed me as if I did not exist. I was humiliated on the day that should not have had one black spot on it. After the baby was born things went well, we were happy. My family saw my happiness as a bad thing and within a year they chased my fiancé out of my life. They made it impossible for me to keep my child with me, so I ended up with my heart completely broken. At that moment I knew that I was completely alone.

Hollywood California

My parents gave me $100 and put me on a bus to my favorite haunt, Hollywood California. I spent the first 6 months learning the ropes. Places to sleep, the fine art of panhandling, shelters, where to get free food, where to get free medical care, where all the happening places and great parties were. You know, the essentials. I started using drugs and alcohol again, I never paid for it, but that’s beside the point. I eventually became a prostitute because no one would give me a job due to my age and I had no real address. I was a prostitute off and on till I was 26 years old. Then I met someone who taught me that no matter what had happened in my life I deserved to be loved just like everyone else. He showed me how to believe in myself.

He showed me that there was more to life than the bubble I was living in. I married him and we are still together 9 years later. He always encourages me to be successful in all that I set out to do. I have continued with my education over the years at a slower rate then I would have liked due to home schooling our second son. I enjoyed every minute of it. My husband and I have shown him how to be truly successful in his life. He graduated from high school from a distance education school at the age of 13. He began college a month later and is seeking a degree in Holistic Health. He also takes media arts classes for fun.

What do you love to do?

You are the result of your experiences. There is no such thing as finding yourself, YOU are not lost, YOU are right there. If you don’t believe me look in the mirror. No matter what age you are, “YOU” are a collective result of your likes and dislikes, of your strengths and weaknesses, your talents are your magick. They are your unique way of expressing yourself. Read everything you can about the one thing that makes you happy and make sure that you make a career doing what you love. No matter what age you are YOU can make your dreams come true. Our son inspires us everyday. I know that he will never have to go through what I went through in my life, because I made sure to teach him to be confident and to have self-worth.

This is a very condensed version of my life to let you know that I have been where you are and have risen above my situation and YOU can too.

Here are suggestions to help you to get you on a path to a productive future.

1. Find a Shelter

   Finding a shelter that you are comfortable in is your best bet. They keep you safe, feed you, listen to you, and guide you. You are more likely to find others who are making a better future for themselves there. To some of you this might seem like an end to your complete freedom. I know partying and having fun is important to you, but now is the time to start learning to party responsibly. Trust me, it can be done. By keeping your daily or weekly partying down to say, one drink or no drinks, you get to enjoy the party more because you’re not sloshed. If you are against going to a shelter, that is fine. You can still follow the steps that pertain to you.

2. Make sure to find a place to shower daily

   Even if you are at a squat you can pan handle enough money for a 1 to 3 gallon jug of water and a towel. Use the water for drinking, bathing, washing your clothes, etc… Bathing always makes people feel good about themselves and others.

3. Locate your Local Library

   Do not go during school hours or they will call social services or the police on you. Don’t check books out because they can easily get lost or stolen. Sit in the library and read, do research, and study. Go everyday even if it is just to sit and read a magazine or watch people. It is a free place to sit indoors. Make sure that you never do anything to get kicked out of the library? Do not invite people to go with you if they aren’t interested in their future. If they get disruptive you could get kicked out due to their behavior.

4. Find friends that are doing what they can to improve their futures.

   Talk, listen, and enjoy each others stories.

5. Do everything you can to achieve your goals.

   Tell them exactly what you are trying to achieve and they can point you in the right direction. Do not tell them you are homeless.

6. Never Give Up

   Do not give up on yourself or your future. It is hard work to be a success. You will be alive a really long time so make the best life that you can.

I hope that my success story and my helpful hints will help you on your path to your success story.

Important places to know by heart:

Beverly Health Center
8405 Beverly Boulevard (@ Orlando)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Map
Hours:
Monday – Thursday Medical 8 AM to 8 PM
Dental 8 AM to 9 PM
Friday All services 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday Dental only 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Hollywood Health Center
6043 Hollywood Boulevard (@ Gower)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Map
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 7 PM

Hollywood Wilshire Health Center
5205 Melrose Avenue (@ Wilton)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Map
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Walk-in sign in 7:30 AM to 8 AM
12:30 PM to 1 PM
Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Walk-in sign in 12:30 PM to 1 PM
(No walk-in on Friday morning, the only patients seen on Friday morning are patients receiving physical therapy/sports medicine by appointment only.)

Preteen and Teen Health Support group (free)

Wallis Annenberg Center
5205 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90038
Monday Afternoons
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

This program is for teens and preteens who struggle with emotional problems, family problems, school problems, or relationship problems. It aims to provide an environment for support, sharing, talking, or just listening about those issues that parents just don’t understand!

To Register, Please contact:

Angela Kahn [323] 337-1814

L.A.Y.N.

The emergency shelter is located at 1550 N. Gower Street,
in Hollywood, CA.

Angel’s Flight Emergency Shelter
357 South Westlake Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-413-2311; 800-833-2499

MY CLUB

8705 South Vermont Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90044
323-751-2582

Food on Foot

Sun. serving site: 1625 N. Schrader Avenue, Hollywood, California (parking lot)

Every Sunday at 3:15 p.m., 52 weeks a year

Covenant House California
Hollywood
1325 N. Western Avenue
Hollywood, Ca 90027

800-999-9999

Places to Shower:

Blessed Sacrament

6636 Selma Ave.
Hollywood

LA Free Clinic

8405 Beverly Blvd.
w. Hollywood