As we continue to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Isme’s story of resilience and transformation highlights the profound impact of mental health on personal growth and change for justice-impacted individuals.

Growing up, Isme, 30, faced physical and emotional abuse, abandonment, and sexual abuse at a young age. Her turbulent childhood led her to run away from home, drop out of high school, and become a mother at the age of 15. These hardships could have defined her, but Isme's life journey took a different path.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she was incarcerated at 19, serving a 7-year-to-life sentence. It was during her time in prison that she began the hard work of self-reflection and change. "I had to really face me, of all people," she recalls. "It was my own demons, my own ways, my own trauma." Confronting her past and understanding the reasons behind her actions was a pivotal part of her transformation.

After 10 years of dedication and rehabilitation, Isme earned her parole. Today, she works as a Support Associate at Orijin. At Orijin, Isme has gained new skills, from basic computer functions to customer service, all while being supported by a team that believes in her potential.

She is currently working towards her high school equivalency, a crucial step in her journey of self-improvement. Isme emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and faith, even in the darkest times. "At the end of the tunnel, there really is light. It might not be the brightest, but if you're able to survive and make it out, you are more than gold."

At Orijin, Isme constantly taps into her own experiences to ensure that we are providing the best product and customer service possible. She has become a beacon of hope for those who face the same challenges she once did. Her work not only transforms her own life but also impacts those around her, showing that second chances are possible and transformative.

We hope you enjoy this inspirational podcast.

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