MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: HENSLEY

“Step Up is the only family I have, and I love them. The quote I choose is ‘if it is to be, it is up to me!’” - Hensley

Thank YOU! Together, We Accomplish so Much!

Hensley is a 48-year-old male from New Jersey; and if you ever bumped into him at Santa Monica college, you would never suspect the difficult journey he’s endured. Prior to 2015, he was placed in a licensed adult residential facility intended for individuals with a history of long-term psychiatric hospitalizations or a lock-down mental health facility. He was also under an LPS Conservatorship when he first came to Step Up and was unable to make his own independent decisions regarding his finances or consent to treatment. Hensley joined Step Up’s Westside DMH program in 2015 and today he is testament to the benefits of the recovery-oriented programs offered through Step Up.

From 2015-2021, Hensley lived in an Adult Board and Care in Santa Monica, allowing him to actively engage with his Step Up support team. He participated regularly in therapy, case management services, and joined Step Up’s Adult Client Run Center. Three months ago, Hensley moved into his own private unit through an affordable housing program with the City of Santa Monica just minutes from the beach. He is over the moon to have his own private home and has been working on furnishing it with items of his own choosing.

Hensley has come a long way! His recovery is possible only because individuals just like you have come together with Step Up to help fill the gap in funding and be able to provide the life-changing services. Hensley is currently working on completing his prerequisites at Santa Monica College, so he can transfer to a four-year university and pursue a degree in Computer Science. An opportunity made possible because of your support. Today, he continues to devote every day to his goal of personal growth and brings positivity to everyone around him.  Whether it is attending class, studying, taking a walk along the beach, or engaging with us here at Step Up, Hensley is sure to be reflecting on and expressing gratitude for his achievements and the support he has received along the way. “Step up is the only family I have, and I love them.” Says Hensley. “The quote I choose is, if it is to be, it’s up to me!” So, thank you all for your support! Whether it’s through the sharing of your resources, your time, or your referrals, you are part of the Step Up family, and we couldn’t do what we do without you!

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