When Mariana, 22, first walked into Radiant Futures’ Personal Empowerment Program (PEP), she was the youngest in the group, unsure of what the program could offer someone like her. She carried the invisible burden of trauma, heartbreak, and a longing to reunite with her three-year-old son.

Her former partner’s struggles with substance use left her emotionally isolated and afraid. With no custody of her child and no clear path forward, Mariana was convinced that sitting in a classroom would not change anything.

But as the weeks went on, something powerful happened.

Encouraged by the kindness of the facilitator and the shared strength and stories of the other participants, many of whom had walked similar paths, Mariana began to find her voice and growing confidence.

Mariana didn’t just show up. She engaged. She asked questions. She supported her peers. And through PEP, she began to understand her experiences, learn to set healthy boundaries, and discover the tools to advocate for herself. For the first time in a long time, Mariana could imagine a life where safety, love, and possibility were within reach.

Inspired by that progress, Mariana enrolled in Radiant Futures’ parenting classes and began individual counseling. She chose to go deeper not just to heal to be a stronger parent for her son, but to heal for herself.

Soon Mariana reached a milestone that once felt impossible: she regained custody of her child. “Getting custody back felt impossible before,” she shared. “But now that I have my son with me, I just want to become the best version of myself not just for him, but for me too.”

Mariana’s story is one of thousands. It’s also a reminder that programs like PEP, parenting education, and counseling are not luxuries, they are lifelines. Now is the time to stand up and ensure these critical resources continue to thrive.

Radiant Futures serves survivors who are often overlooked, underestimated, and underserved. We meet them where they are with dignity, care, and with unwavering belief in their potential. Mariana’s healing didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen alone. It happened because a community came together to say: You matter. Your story matters. Your future matters.

To sign up for a PEP class, contact our helpline or call us at 714-992-1939 x 115 or email info@radiantfutures.org