Samara’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the pursuit of ordinary happiness. At 32, she has already survived a life that would break most people; however, thanks to her determination and the support of reentry organizations, Samara is now using her experiences to uplift others on their path to recovery.
Born in Anaheim, California, and raised in Bolivia until age 11, Samara’s early life was marked by instability. After returning to the U.S., she struggled with substance use beginning in high school, and her recreational habits soon led to a heroin addiction that put Samara on the streets of Los Angeles for almost five years.
“I started getting arrested around that time too, more than once,” Samara says. “The last time in jail was more difficult because I had lost everything by then and hit rock bottom. I spent four months there and used my incarceration as a turning point to change my life.”
Upon her release, Samara transferred her probation to San Diego to be closer to her mother and young son. With no permanent housing, she moved into a sober living house to work on her sobriety.
Samara says that she must prioritize her recovery journey if she wants to succeed. “I’m very aware now that one bad decision can alter the course of your life, and I don’t have time for games. I still have a lot to do,” says Samara.
Determined to rebuild her life, Samara connected with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a nonprofit that provides immediate paid employment, skills training, and job readiness to support returning citizens. She began working on a transitional work crew cleaning city streets, and the structure, plus financial stability, equaled a foundation to grow.
CEO offered more than just a job. They helped Samara with resume writing, mock interviews, transportation assistance, and paid for her work boots, clothing, and personal protection equipment. Additionally, CEO funded her enrollment in a Peer Support Certificate Program—an intensive, five-day-a-week course that empowered her with the tools to support others in recovery. That certificate became a stepping stone to meaningful employment.
“I see CEO as a launching pad,” Samara says. “I needed structure and support to move forward—not just to survive, but to thrive.”
Today, Samara lives in a two-bedroom apartment in San Diego with her family and now works as a Peer Support Specialist at a treatment center for women.
“CEO encouraged me to keep building my skill set and education, so I recently took the first part of the Medical Interpreter Certification and passed. It will open up more career prospects,” says Samara.
Samara also advocates for others in recovery, referring peers to CEO and sharing resources with those in need. She successfully had her felony expunged, removing a major barrier to long-term employment and housing.
Her journey is far from over, but Samara is living proof that with the right support and by doing the next right thing, new beginnings are not just possible, they are probable.
Stay connected—sign up for our newsletter to learn how CEO supports justice-impacted individuals through career building, advocacy, and policy change. Check out more stories on our blog or donate to support economic mobility.
