A Hawaii woman's path from prison and drug addiction to a stable career shows how reentry support programs can turn lives around.

• After her father's death, unresolved grief led her into drug addiction and eventually a felony conviction and incarceration.
• A prison work-furlough program placed her at YWCA Oahu's Fernhurst, which gave her housing, resources, and the confidence to rebuild her life.
• Within about a decade, she regained custody of her daughter, became a published children's book author, and now manages staff at a behavioral health crisis center.
• She credits reentry programs like Fernhurst and Dress for Success with helping underserved community members recover and now works to give back to others on similar paths.

Outlook: Her story is being highlighted to encourage more donations and applications to YWCA Oahu's reentry programs.