Page 3 - 2016-17 RCS Annual Report

Carmen’s Story

Carmen’s story began during her Junior year of high
school, when she began to experience depressive
symptoms that increased to the point where she “just

wanted to give up on life.” Carmen’s mother encour-
aged her to try counseling with a therapist from
RCS, Maddie. Although initially reluctant to try
therapy, Carmen was able to build trust with
Maddie because “she didn’t look at me like I had
something wrong with me. She looked at me with
happiness and hope.” In her work with Maddie,
Carmen learned to express herself, and how to com-
municate in a better way with her family. Carmen also
enrolled at the RCS Culinary Academy where she
excelled under the guidance of Chef Carlos and the team.
After graduating from the class, Carmen applied for her first job,
and was hired as an Apprentice at Kneaded, our social enterprise
bakery. Although Carmen realizes life is a rollercoaster with many loops
and twists, Carmen says she is ready for it. She is on track to graduate
from high school, has developed better coping and communication strate-
gies, and most importantly, believes in herself. “Words cannot express
how grateful I am to RCS. It changed my life for the better and it could do
the same for you. All it takes is one step.”