Elizabeth “Elide” Garcia

Elder Participant

Elide is a 30-year-old Mexican American woman who was born in Los Angeles and raised in Pico-Union, where she still resides. In this interview, Elide recounts her battle with substance use and her road to recovery while also raising her children. Today, she works at a residential facility in a detox center, sharing her own experiences of addiction in hopes of helping others going through similar things.

ELIDE's story →

Mirna

Elder Participant

Mirna is a 64-year-old Salvadoran American woman who was born in the Republic of El Salvador and now lives in Pico-Union, Los Angeles. Her son started using substances at the ripe age of 15. In this interview, she recounts her son’s struggle as well as her own thoughts on substance use and accessibility and awareness when it comes to recovery services. Today, Mirna, a senior leader on KYCC’s prevention team, advocates for a shift in how society views those struggling with substance use, pushing for more compassion and a collective responsibility to protect and guide local youth.

MIRNA’S story →

Victor Fuentes

Elder Participant

Victor is a 60-year-old Mexican American man who grew up in Hidalgo, Mexico, and now resides in Koreatown. In this interview, he reflects on moments from his childhood with his father and how they both battled alcoholism. He stresses the importance of staying sober, especially at a young age, when many don’t yet understand the consequences of substance use. Between his role in MUEC (Uniting Hands with Hope for the Community) and the quiet moments spent with his guitar, Victor remains dedicated to showing the next generation that a life of sobriety is worth it.

VICTOR’s story →

Joey*

Elder Participant

Joey* is a 31-year-old Mexican American man who was born and raised in Koreatown. He was introduced to substances at 13, beginning a long, tumultuous journey that he describes in this interview. Through his struggles with addiction, gang violence, and the justice system, Joey unveils his highly personal narrative about his road to recovery and reconnection with religion in that process.

*Due to the sensitive nature of his interview, Joey has elected to remain anonymous

JOEY’s story →

Lori Castro

Elder Participant

Lori, a trans woman born in 1962 in Northern California, reflects on her battle with addiction for more than 20 years and living on the streets. She eventually reached a point where she was ready to reclaim her life and sought recovery services through KYCC. Here, she shares her journey through recovery, reconciling with family, and healing past wounds. Nearly a year sober, Lori is embracing the challenge of “feeling everything” again and is very proud of who she is today.

Lori’S story →

Valeria Fausto

Elder Participant

Valeria is an 18-year-old high school student who grew up in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. In this interview, Valeria discusses her upbringing and family, specifically her uncle, who battled addiction for many years before taking his own life. She reflects on the stigmas surrounding his condition and getting mental health support, especially in Latin American communities, and how that lack of support contributed to much pain in her life. Valeria believes that we should normalize discussions surrounding substance misuse and how to get proper help.

VALERIA’s story →