What Self-Sufficiency Really Looks Like: Elisha’s Story
Spoiler: It’s not glamorous. It’s gritty. It’s choosing yourself…every single day. Self-sufficiency doesn’t always look like a diploma, a job
Since 2002, we’ve helped over 5,300 women, children, and families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
For over two decades, Time For Change Foundation has been the model of excellence in California for empowering families facing homelessness, incarceration effects, substance abuse, and systemic barriers. We believe that housing is the foundation, but true self-sufficiency requires so much more.
At Time for Change Foundation, we wrap our arms around families across generations when they need it most—offering not just safe shelter, but a deeply rooted, comprehensive support system designed to disrupt the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. Our evidence-based, trauma-informed, multigenerational model embraces the whole family—from children to parents—because true transformation happens when every generation has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive together. By investing in the futures of both parents and their children, we create ripple effects of empowerment that extend beyond today, shaping stronger families and communities for generations to come.
Strength-based Case Management, Licensed Drug & Alcohol Counseling, Therapy
Financial Education & Money Management, Employment Development, Entrepreneurship
Family Reunification, Parenting, Legal Services
Leadership Development, Advocacy, Life Skills
When Luis walked out of prison in late 2024, he carried with him a clear vision: leave behind the past and chase a new future rooted in education and purpose. Originally from Southern California, he knew returning home meant risking old habits and toxic influences. With no job waiting and no familiar faces in the Bay Area, he took a leap of faith and moved 500 miles away from everything he knew to start fresh. That leap led him to Brighter Futures, Time for Change Foundation’s home for men recovering from incarceration and homelessness.
New to Alameda County and unsure of where to turn, he was relieved to find a place that offered structure without limiting his ambition. TFCF gave him the stability to pursue his goals. He enrolled in Laney College, where he’s studying business to become an accountant, and managed to balance a full-time job while finishing his first semester with straight A’s. When he was accepted into CSU East Bay, just minutes from TFCF, he finally felt something he hadn’t in a long time: hope.
Luis says listening to Mr. Tillman, Peer Mentor, and Dr. Carter-Tillman’s stories of transformation, showed him what’s possible with hard work and resilience. He’s learned to never give up, to believe in himself, and to stay disciplined in the pursuit of his dreams. Though fear and doubt lingered after his release, Luis knows this new chapter is only the beginning. Thanks to Time for Change Foundation, he’s building a life rooted in purpose, not survival and proving that real change is possible.
Years of emotional abuse had left deep wounds. To cope, Lauren turned to alcohol. Something she saw her own parents do. For three years, her children watched as she drowned her pain, and her older kids eventually went to live with their father for stability she couldn’t offer. She hit a breaking point one night in the car with her newborn, and made the hardest decision: to fight for a better life. At TFCF, she found therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, and for the first time, support. Slowly, she let her walls down and allowed herself to hope again.
Today, Lauren is rebuilding her life with purpose. She’s earning her GED, working, and preparing to enroll in cosmetology school—not just to make ends meet, but to build a real career. Her confidence has bloomed, and she looks at her progress with pride. With every step forward, she’s moving closer to reuniting with her children and giving them the safety, love, and stability they’ve always deserved. 
Monique is a devoted mother of seven who found herself trapped in a cycle of domestic violence. Determined to protect her children and build a better life, she made the brave decision to leave her abusive relationship even though it meant starting over with nothing.
With no safe place to go, Monique and her children spent nights crammed into a five-seater car. “Eight people in a 5-seater, like sardines,” she recalls. The weight of depression settled over the whole family. At her lowest point, Monique felt like a failure—as a woman, and as a mother. She even considered surrendering her children to CPS, thinking they might have a better chance without her. There was a time when Monique had to make the painful decision to temporarily separate from four of her children until she could find stability. That decision haunted her, but it also fueled her determination to get them all back.
Everything changed when she found Time for Change Foundation.
At TFCF, Monique received case management, parenting classes, and domestic violence support that helped her begin healing. She learned how to parent from a place of strength, how to rebuild her life, and how to believe in herself again. Just three months after arriving at Time for Change Foundation, Monique moved into her own apartment and was able to reunite with all seven of her children. Today they’re living in a safe, stable home filled with love and laughter.
Monique’s aura has completely transformed. She’s no longer weighed down by hopelessness, she radiates purpose. She’s on track to earn her GED and is going to school full time to become a surgical technician.
Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the life-changing impact of hope, healing, and support. 
Dante, a 42-year-old man from South Central Los Angeles, is proving that life after incarceration can be a story of transformation and impact. After serving 17 years in San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, he was released under California’s P.C. 1170(d) resentencing law.
With no supervision upon release, he was ineligible for reentry programs funded by parole or probation. Despite this, Brighter Futures, Time for Change Foundation’s home for men recovering from incarceration and homelessness, welcomed him with open arms. Today, Dante is finding the stability and support he needs to rebuild his life.
During his time at San Quentin, Dante discovered his purpose as an advocate and storyteller. His documentary, Unhoused and Unseen, earned recognition as a top-three at the San Quentin Film Festival for its raw and compelling storytelling.
Now, as he rebuilds his life at Brighter Futures, Dante is committed to continuing his advocacy. He’s determined to amplify the voices of incarcerated individuals, ensuring their humanity is recognized and their stories are heard. With the support of Brighter Futures, he is taking meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency, proving that transformation is possible when opportunities and support align. 
Growing up, I was sheltered from the realities of adulthood. I wasn’t taught how to navigate life on my own, which left me feeling like I always needed someone else to care for me. I relied on a man who I thought would take care of everything for me.
At 18, I went from being a high school graduate living with my sister to a college dropout, pregnant and living under my boyfriend’s mother’s roof. Fear and inexperience held me back. For the next nine years, I gave up my dreams and independence to meet every demand of my children’s father. I quit school, never got a job, didn’t learn to drive, and lived without a bank account. I wasn’t just afraid —I was constantly made to believe that I couldn’t or shouldn’t take control of my own life.
From 2016 to 2023, I stayed in a toxic relationship filled with verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. I was trapped in a cycle of fear and manipulation, compounded by substance use. I tried to numb the pain, but it only deepened my struggles. Then, on October 18, 2023, everything changed. That day marked the last time I endured a physical altercation. It also marked the beginning of my journey with Christ. Building a relationship with God gave me strength and a renewed sense of purpose.
One of the hardest moments for me was leaving my kids with their dad for a few days because I had nowhere to take them. That was my turning point—I realized I needed to become self-sufficient to end the cycles of instability for my children.
At Time for Change Foundation, I found the support I desperately needed to rebuild my life. I attended domestic violence classes that gave me the tools to set boundaries and check in with my feelings. I learned to respond to situations thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Checking my emotions first became my new habit, and I discovered that I didn’t have to depend on my emotions to make decisions.
Through TFCF, I found my first job ever. That part-time position soon became full-time, and with steady income, I was able to get my own apartment! I also broke free from co-dependence and began leaning on my support system instead of looking for escape in drugs and alcohol.
For the first time, I began to see life differently. My mindset shifted, and I embraced healthier ways to cope and grow. I’ve gained confidence, and I’m no longer afraid to speak up or reach out for help.
Today, I’m proud to say I’m building a stable, independent life for myself and my children. I’ve worked hard to overcome my struggles and solve my own problems instead of staying in a victim mentality.
Programs like those funded by the Blue Shield Foundation made it possible for me to break the cycle of violence that had held me back. Now, I’m creating a future of resilience and hope for my family, ensuring my children are breaking the cycles of violence and poverty and have a chance to live thriving lives. 
For Sarina, life once felt like an unending storm. Struggles mounted, and amidst the chaos, she faced the devastating reality of losing custody of her beloved son, Ethan. Her spiral left her feeling isolated and uncertain, but deep within, her love for Ethan burned brightly. That love became the spark she needed to fight to regain custody of her son and provide a better future for them.
Determined to rewrite her story, Sarina found her way to TFCF, ready to embrace the support and resources we offer. With unwavering resolve, she committed herself to the process of change, fueled by the dream of providing a brighter future for her son.
While the process wasn’t easy, Sarina has blossomed into a confident and empowered woman, embodying the very essence of resilience.
Through support from grant partners like San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, TFCF has enabled Sarina to access critical resources, allowing her to prioritize her mental health, explore job opportunities, and build a stable, nurturing life for herself and Ethan.
Today, Sarina is embracing a new chapter, working toward a future filled with hope and stability. She has maintained her sobriety, is now 7 months clean, and has regained full custody of Ethan on August 20, 2024! 
Dallela’s life took a drastic turn when she joined Time for Change Foundation. Her life was in a desperate, hopeless, and homeless state. She lost her mother, lost their home, and realized that she had a problem with drinking and drugs. It ruined her relationships with her siblings, her children, and herself. She felt so hopeless that she attempted suicide by crashing her car into the center divider on the freeway—twice.
Miraculously, she survived without a scratch. When she woke up from being unconscious, she heard her mother screaming and crying, asking what she had done. During her time in the hospital, she confronted her deep-seated depression, anxiety, and trauma. Following her discharge, she entered rehab and later sought help from Time for Change Foundation, where she found a support system that nurtured her self-confidence and love. With counseling, educational classes, and employment resources, she rebuilt a stable home. Today, Dallela is employed, living in her own apartment and celebrating nearly a year of sobriety, Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of support, resilience, and faith in oneself. Grateful for the opportunity she received, she now aspires to help other women facing similar challenges, inspired to become a counselor or advocate. 
Francisco’s journey began in Mexico, where his family hailed from, but his struggles with mental health have been a lifelong challenge. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, he was initially skeptical of medication and chose not to take it. This decision led to numerous difficulties, including legal troubles and frequent jail time due to mental health episodes. Francisco often experienced hallucinations, became violent, and had outbursts in public, causing significant strain on his relationships with his family, whom he mistakenly believed were against him due to his paranoia. His use of alcohol and weed further exacerbated his condition, leading to even more erratic behavior.
After a month-long stint in jail, Francisco had a moment of clarity and realized he needed to change. He was determined to rebuild his life and mend his broken relationships with his family. Seeking help, Francisco turned to Brighter Futures, where he found the support, he needed.
Under the guidance of Mr. Tillman, Francisco agreed to start taking medication to stabilize his mental health. This decision marked a turning point in his life. Francisco noticed a drastic improvement in his mental health, which gave him the stability he had been missing. Alongside medication, he participated in therapy sessions with Lizzy at the SoCal office, which provided him with additional support and coping strategies. The combination of medication and therapy has been transformative for Francisco.
His mental health has improved significantly, allowing him to regain control over his life. He was able to secure a full-time job, which has given him a sense of purpose and stability. Moreover, the support and guidance from Mr. Tillman and Mr. Jermaine have been invaluable, helping him stay on track and continue his progress. Francisco’s journey is a testament to the power of proper mental health care and support. Today, he is rebuilding his relationship with his family and looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to the resources and guidance he received at Brighter Futures. 
Martell’s life had been stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of regret and disappointment. His criminal background had cast a long shadow over his aspirations and opportunities, making it nearly impossible to maintain a steady job and provide financially for his family. He was all too familiar with the adverse consequences a criminal record could bring, having lost an ideal job in the past due to this very reason.
In the midst of this seemingly insurmountable challenge, Martell discovered a ray of hope in the form of the Leap program. This initiative offered him the chance to acquire new skills through training, opening doors to a better future in his career. The most remarkable aspect of the Leap program was its commitment to placing individuals like Martell with companies that were willing to look beyond their criminal backgrounds and offer them a second chance.
Martell eagerly enrolled in an OSHA Construction and trucking program through the Leap program. This step provided him with the essential tools and opportunities needed to forge a successful and lasting career in a field that welcomed him with open arms. As he embarked on this journey, he soon discovered a sense of happiness and accomplishment that had eluded him for much of his life.
The Leap program became the turning point in Martell’s life, allowing him to shatter the barriers imposed by his criminal history. It gave him the chance to not only better himself but also to provide a brighter future for his family, breaking free from the cycle of disappointment that had plagued him for years.
Seven years ago, Marquita was a working mother of three happy children, living in her cozy home and owning a reliable car. Yet, behind this façade of normalcy, there was a darker secret that Marquita had been hiding from the world. She had developed an alcohol and weed habit that she believed was harmless. For a while, Marquita convinced herself that she had everything under control. After all, what harm could come from the occasional joint and a few drinks? As time passed, her after-work joint and drink transformed into an addiction to hard drugs. Her life spiraled out of control, and she found herself caught in the unforgiven grip of substance abuse. The once happy mother and homeowner had become a shadow of her former self now homeless and without her children.
Guided by the wisdom of God, her daughter offered Marquita a lifeline, but it came with conditions. She could live with her daughter for thirty days, but she needed to be drug during that time, Marquita accepted. In the midst of a challenging first week, Marquita realized it was time for her to change. She knew that she needed more than sheer determination she needed a structured program that would provide her with the support and discipline required for her recovery. Marquita and her daughter attended church and it was there that a compassionate church member shared a life-changing piece of information with them. They learned about an organization called Time for Change Foundation (TFCF). Marquita wasted no time and called their office immediately, eager to explore the possibilities of healing and transformation. Initially, Marquita was disappointed to learn that there were no available beds at TFCF, However, she refused to give up hope. Miraculously, the very next day, a bed become available and Marquita seized the opportunity. She moved into TFCF without hesitation, determined to break free from the chains of her addiction and rebuilt her life.
Marquita’s journey to recovery was far from easy, but she credits a significant portion of her success to the wrap-around services provided by TFCF. In particular, the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) outpatient classes and the Workforce Development programs played a crucial role in helping her regain her footing. She now is gainfully employed, has her own apartment and has her children back in her life! Her journey from addiction to recovery is a shining example of how, with the right guidance and determination, even the darkest moments can lead to a brighter future. 
At the age of 5 his mother left him, and he went to live with his grandmother. He didn’t understand why his mother left, and his pain turned into anger. This trauma at such a young age made him believe that no one cared for him, that he was all he had, and he had to do things all on his own. At the age of 18, Anthony was sentenced to LIFE in prison and spent the following 19 years incarcerated. On July 30, 2020, he was granted parole and was released on January 4, 2021.
Upon his release, a part of him still believed that, yet he put his pride to the side, humbled himself and built up the courage to ask for help. He expressed “life is hard out here, but I am thankful that there are programs like Time for Change Foundation and the LEAP program to help people like me get back on their feet.” With the help of the LEAP program, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals with employment, he was able to get hired with a construction company. However, his heart wanted to do more meaningful work, leading him to work with an organization called California Justice Leaders. He stated “I want to give back and help people like me, help those who experienced the same upbringing as me and have suffered the consequence of making bad decisions. I want to help show them that there is a better way.”
I am excited to share that I have been accepted to Cal State San Bernardino to further my education! I am beyond blessed to start my journey to becoming a case manager and helping others in need. I am so grateful for Time for Change Foundation and for Ms. Lisha who took the time to help me on such short notice. LEAP provided me with clothing, food cards, gas cards, resume building, job leads and mentorship along the way to my success. “My plan is to help people the same way that Lisha helped me. Thank you so much for all your help!” 
Barry doesn’t remember much about the Watts LA Riot because he was so young, but what he does remember is the constant sounds of gun shots. Much is to be said about being a young black kid amid environmental suffocation, failing schools and lack of investment in the infrastructure of South Central. Like most families trying to desperately escape the mental anguish that accompanies extreme poverty, Barry joined the church where he sang in the youth choir. Church served as a sanctuary and a place where his family could find spiritual comradery.
Wrong place at the wrong time? This is another story of where the justice system fails to deliver for black men in America. Without any prior negativity or behavior issues at school or at home, Barry became a target for a crime he did not commit. Despite his innocence, he was shepherded through without proper legal defense and found himself sentenced to LIFE in prison. For the next 40 years he would remain vigilante about his story although many disbelieved. Thankfully, organizations like the ACLU, and the Innocence Project who continue to get black men released from prison because they were wrongfully convicted have supported people like Barry.
It was finally discovered Barry was falsely accused. Fighting for Barry until 1997, ACLU turned the case to the Federal Public Defender’s office in Los Angeles which resulted in a Federal Judge overturning the conviction in 2016. It took another 7 years for the injustice system to acknowledge his case and on May 10, 2023, Barry was freed after 4 decades. TFCF’s Brighter Futures welcomed Barry home on May 31, 2023, he now looks forward to his Brighter Future! Spoiler: It’s not glamorous. It’s gritty. It’s choosing yourself…every single day. Self-sufficiency doesn’t always look like a diploma, a job
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in
San Bernardino, CA – October 25, 2024 – Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) is proud to announce that Executive Director
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