*Trigger Warning: This blog contains discussions of sensitive topics, including child abuse, substance abuse, and the experiences of sex workers. Reader discretion is advised. If you find these topics distressing, you may wish to proceed with caution or seek support.
Darlene’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Born and raised in Hawaii, her early life was marred by trauma, leading her down a path of addiction and despair. Having experienced sexual abuse as a child, she turned to alcohol and drugs at a young age, which eventually spiraled into a life as a sex worker. Her pain deepened when her firstborn son tragically died as an infant, sending her into a cycle of incarceration.
Sentenced to WestCare Nevada’s treatment program, Darlene initially resisted the healing process, preferring prison over confronting the loss of her child. Despite being dismissed from WestCare for repeatedly breaking the rules, she returned time and time again. In time, she was able to secure a job in their kitchen. This humble position marked the beginning of her transformation.
Today, Darlene celebrates over 20 years of being clean and serene.
She has not only survived but thrived, owning three homes and enduring the heartbreak of her husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce, the death of some very important people in her life, and even a cancer treatment in her own health – all without relapsing.
Now working in outreach for a well-known nonprofit, Darlene finds purpose in helping others, saying, “I get to save ‘me’ every single day.” Known for being rough around the edges, Darlene loves hard and is a no-nonsense person who keeps it “raw and uncut” when delivering her message of hope. An active and respected member of the WestCare Alumni and of the Narcotics Anonymous program, her life is now filled with happiness and joy, a living testament to the power of perseverance, hope, and the human capacity for change.
