Share
A Foundation of Trust: Rosario’s Journey to Independence
When Rosario first connected with Orangewood Foundation, she wasn’t sure what to expect. She had faced trauma, instability, and years in kinship care after entering the foster care system. While still connected to family, those relationships were complicated – sometimes supportive, sometimes strained. Amid this uncertainty, Rosario was trying to support a younger relative while seeking stability and healing for herself.
She found her way to Project CHOICE, Orangewood’s drop-in center for survivors of sex trafficking. Rosario didn’t initially see herself as a survivor. Her life had been shaped by instability and survival, and naming her experiences was difficult. But Project CHOICE is built on understanding and patience. The trauma-informed team didn’t push; instead, they offered consistency, a safe space, and steady encouragement. Over time, Rosario began to open up. Through conversations with her case manager and support staff, she started to reflect on her past and recognize the resilience that had carried her this far.
As she continued working with Project CHOICE, Rosario received not only emotional support but practical guidance. Staff helped her develop short- and long-term goals, introduced her to job readiness resources, and provided crisis support when needed. These consistent check-ins helped build a sense of security and encouraged Rosario to consider the next step in her healing journey.
With growing trust in the staff and a new sense of possibility, Rosario made the decision to join the Lighthouse program, Orangewood’s voluntary transitional housing program for survivors. On her first night in the house, feelings of uncertainty and fear took over – she left. When she returned the next day, assuming she had forfeited the opportunity, staff welcomed her back without question. In a heartfelt conversation with her case manager, Rosario opened up about her responsibility to a younger family member and the weight she was carrying. Together, they explored ways to connect her with resources for her relative, while also helping Rosario see that prioritizing her own healing and stability was an essential part of showing up for others.
At first, Rosario kept to herself. She was cautious, uncertain of how she would fit into the shared home. But as days turned into weeks, she began to settle in. She participated in group outings, built trust with her peers, and began taking pride in keeping the home organized and welcoming. Her housemates affectionately dubbed her the “neighborhood watch” for her watchful eye and care for the space – especially when unpermitted cars parked nearby. The nickname stuck, and Rosario embraced the lighthearted role with a sense of humor and responsibility.
She also worked closely with her case manager to learn life skills – everything from budgeting and cooking to maintaining a healthy schedule. She began leading by example in the house, encouraging her peers and helping facilitate group conversations. Slowly, Rosario shifted from someone trying to find stability to someone creating it – not just for herself, but for those around her.
As her confidence grew, Rosario was granted overnight passes, a key step in preparing for independent living. With more freedom came new challenges. Staff noticed that alcohol had become a frequent part of her outings. Recognizing this as an opportunity for support, the Lighthouse team responded with a harm-reduction approach – providing Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, education on safe partying, and conversations around healthy boundaries and relationships. Rosario remained engaged, respectful of the house rules, and continued to reflect on her choices and growth.
Throughout her time in the program, Rosario also accessed resources at the Orangewood Resource Center (ORC), where she received support with job readiness, hygiene products, snacks, transportation assistance, and other basic needs. More than just a place to grab supplies, the ORC became another touchpoint of care – a familiar, welcoming environment where Rosario could ask questions, get guidance, and feel part of a larger community.
How Survivor Support Services Created a Path Forward
After months of hard work and reflection, Rosario was approved for a rapid re-housing voucher. It was a major milestone – her first apartment of her own. She worked with her Lighthouse case manager to secure Orangewood’s Housing Assistance Grant to furnish her space and was connected to CalAIM funds that would help ensure her financial stability in the months to come. Choosing her own furniture, planning her space, and locking the door to a home that was hers marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Even after transitioning out of the Lighthouse house, Rosario chose to remain connected. She continues to meet regularly with her case manager and is utilizing the six months of post-program support offered to all participants. She’s been actively working on long-term goals including returning to school, finding consistent employment, and maintaining her support network. Her decision to stay involved speaks to the relationships she built and the foundation of trust that Orangewood’s wraparound services helped her establish.
Rosario’s story is a powerful reflection of what healing can look like when it happens at a young person’s pace, with support rooted in respect and care. From Project CHOICE to Lighthouse to the Orangewood Resource Center, Rosario engaged in every layer of Orangewood’s programming. She made the brave decisions. She showed up. And today, she continues to move forward – grounded, hopeful, and in charge of her own future.
And today, she continues to move forward – grounded, hopeful, and in charge of her own future.
To learn more about the programs that supported Rosario’s journey—like Project CHOICE, Lighthouse, and the Orangewood Resource Center—visit our program pages. Every young person deserves a chance to build a strong foundation, and with the right support, healing and growth are possible.
