Kathy's Story
From an early age, Kathy suffered from low self-esteem and perfectionism that felt debilitating at times.
“I felt like a piece of garbage, tossed away,” said Kathy.
She was stuck in a job she didn’t like and eventually lost that job and became homeless. Over seven years, she moved from homeless shelter to crisis house and at one point, decided she didn’t want to live. She had hit bottom.
In 2016, she was staying at the YWCA in a year-long program for homeless women when she found the flier for Leap to Confidence. She asked the case worker to sign her up. Since then, she has taken the six-week program three times.
“It’s been a game changer for me,” said Kathy. “I’m more confident, I’ve forgiven those who have hurt me. I talk to myself differently, deal with stress better and have a positive mindset.”
No longer homeless, Kathy now volunteers at the day homeless shelter she once attended, so many years ago. Giving back to others is a calling for her.
“I’ve finally found what I’m passionate about – encouraging people and helping people,” says Kathy. “If women use the tools from Leap to Confidence, it changes everything from the inside. If we can be ourselves completely, we can give other people permission to be themselves and let their own light shine.”
Tarlease's Story
Tarlease was 21 years old and living in Texas when she escaped an abusive relationship with her infant and a toddler in tow.
“My kids were my motivation. I had to keep them protected from my abusive partner,” said Tarlease.
They lived in a shelter for a while and then stayed with different friends until they moved to San Diego. There, they received county assistance through CalWORKs and Public Consulting Group and got their own apartment. At that point, Tarlease was determined to complete her education and have a good job, but there was a disconnect.
“I felt lost and separated from myself,” said Tarlease. “I was working hard in school and my job and taking care of my children and everything lost its purpose. I didn’t know who I was. And I wasn’t being honest with myself.”
She enrolled in a pivotal cognitive behavioral therapy program. One day, she saw the Leap to Confidence flier in the counseling office. “I immediately asked my counselor to refer me. I had never had confidence before in my life.”
“When I first walked into the classroom, I wasn’t positive I could do it. But they create such an atmosphere of trust. You’re seen, you’re heard, you matter,” said Tarlease. “Every tool was up to me to utilize and step by step, as a mother, sister, aunt, friend, I became a better person.”
Through those tools, she learned she had the power to choose, rather than having a life of ‘have tos.’ She created an empowering statement of where she used to be and where she is now. The education she received in Leap to Confidence she now uses in every aspect of her life.
Since then, Tarlease’s life has come full circle. In May 2022, she graduated from Miramar College, her teenaged children cheering her on. She landed her dream job as a case manager for CalWORKs and Public Consulting Group, the same program that supported her years ago.
“The person I was would not recognize me today,” said Tarlease, with a big smile. “I have genuine love and trust of myself and it’s such an amazing experience. I would not be the mom or the case manager I am now without Leap to Success.”
Brittany's Story
In 2019, Brittany fled her apartment after being abused by her boyfriend for years. She called the sheriff and was taken to Becky’s House, an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence operated by the YWCA of San Diego County. She was reeling.
The first week she was there, she was told about Leap to Confidence and she quickly agreed to take the class. In the 6-week program, she learned tools and skills to take back her power, communicate and stand up for her own values. It was the beginning of a life-changing journey.
“I learned I could choose – how to communicate, to not take things personally, how I act and respond. And what they call ‘not picking up the rope,’ that was a huge one for me, to learn I can choose not to engage in conflict,” said Brittany.
Now, her life has changed profoundly. Brittany is married to a supportive husband, has a 20-month-old daughter and a 5-month-old son. A small business owner, certified personal trainer and rehabilitation specialist, she says she loves her life of “fun surprises.” She is reconnected to her family after being estranged for years.
“I know my worth. I know I’m powerful and I own my own story,” says Brittany. “I love teaching and serving. It’s a calling for me, helping to change lives for the better.”
