By Donna Voss, Area Manager
A Life at Risk
When I first began working with Brian Graham, I was a direct support staff member assigned to assist him in maintaining his independence. Later, as I became his Area Manager, I continued working closely with him and witnessed firsthand one of the most remarkable transformations of my career.
Brian lived alone in an apartment in Placentia. During that time, he had become involved with a negative peer group and was struggling with alcohol and substance use. Many times, when I arrived for our scheduled appointments, Brian would not answer the door or would be nowhere to be found. As time passed, I noticed that more and more of his belongings were disappearing. His finances were suffering, and his bank account would often be depleted. It was clear that Brian was caught in a cycle that was putting both his housing and his future at risk.
Over the months, I spoke with Brian about available resources and offered support whenever he was ready to accept help. I understood that recovery only begins when a person is ready to make that choice for themselves.
Choosing a New Path
In October 2022, Brian received notice that he was facing eviction from his apartment. At that point, we had an honest conversation about his future. I helped him connect with a sober living program that I believed could provide the structure, support, and safety he needed. Brian agreed to give it a chance.
We made a plan. He would spend a week detoxing and preparing for a fresh start, and we agreed to meet on November 1, 2022, to move him into sober living. During that week, I intentionally gave him space, hoping he would follow through with the commitment he had made to himself.
When I arrived at his apartment on November 1st, I saw Brian standing outside waiting for me. I immediately knew something had changed. He was ready.
The drive to the sober living home was quiet. Brian carried only a few belongings, but he was carrying something much more important: hope. Wanting to provide him with a small sense of comfort during such a difficult transition, I stopped at Jack in the Box and purchased food for him before we arrived. After completing the intake process and paperwork, I wished him well and left, praying for his success and recovery as I drove away.
Brian embraced that opportunity.
Building a Foundation for Recovery
Over the next four and a half years, he dedicated himself to recovery and personal growth. He attended AA and NA meetings, developed meaningful friendships, volunteered at the Garden Grove Alano Club, and secured employment at Stater Bros. for a period of time. He became known for his strong work ethic, helping maintain the property through gardening, caring for the dogs, and always looking for ways to contribute to the community around him. Most importantly, he learned how to navigate life on life’s terms while building a solid foundation of sobriety.
As the years passed, it became clear that Brian was ready for the next step. While his transition was not without challenges—particularly because he had lost his housing voucher while residing in sober living—we remained committed to finding a permanent housing solution that would support his continued success.
Finding a Place to Call Home
As his Area Manager, I worked diligently to secure independent housing, and we eventually found an apartment at Vista del Rio in Santa Ana. The environment was welcoming, supportive, and a perfect fit for Brian, especially since other individuals supported by our program also lived nearby.
Today, Brian lives independently in his own apartment. His family is able to visit him, share meals with him at his own dining table, and celebrate the incredible progress he has made. He continues to attend recovery meetings on his own, has built a strong circle of friends, and remains highly respected within his community.
Brian meeting with new apt. manager (left), Moving day for Brian (center), Brian with Donna in his new apartment (right)
Brian in his new apartment (left), Brian learning laundry app at new complex (center), Brian waiting to update information at social services (right)
Celebrating Success
One of my favorite traditions is taking Brian each year to the Regional Center Spotlight Awards Dinner. It is always a special evening and a reminder of how far he has come. Watching Brian confidently participate in community events, socialize with others, and celebrate the accomplishments of his peers reflects the growth, independence, and self-confidence he has gained throughout his recovery journey.
Brian will celebrate five years of sobriety this November. Today, he is working with the Department of Rehabilitation and Westview Services to develop employment skills, build his resume, and prepare for future job opportunities. At 49 years old, Brian has a bright future ahead of him.
A Story of Hope and Perseverance
Watching Brian’s journey has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. His success is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of believing that change is possible. Brian trusted the process, remained committed to his goals, and never stopped moving forward—even when the path was difficult.
I am incredibly grateful that Brian trusted me enough to follow my guidance and accept support when he was ready. While there were certainly moments that tested both of our patience, Brian remained committed to moving forward.
Today, he is living proof that recovery, independence, and a fulfilling future are possible for anyone willing to take that first courageous step.
Every year when I sit beside Brian at the Regional Center Spotlight Awards Dinner, I think back to the day he was standing outside his apartment waiting for me. Seeing the man he has become reminds me why I do this work and why we should never give up on people who are struggling.
Brian’s story is not just a success story—it is a story of hope, perseverance, and the life-changing impact of never giving up.
