Pamela

firsthand Guide
Detroit, MI

For Pamela, a pivotal moment came in 2014 when she held what she thought was the perfect job at a casino, earning a good salary. However, her journey took an unexpected turn as she began to struggle with depression, a condition exacerbated by the stresses of her job and poor management practices. This culminated in her losing her job, which pushed her into homelessness for more than six months.

During this period, Pamela discovered the value of peer support. In 2015, she began working with a mental health agency from which she had previously received services. It was here that she gained certifications such as as peer support specialist and community health worker. This empowerment led her to become a housing facilitator in Michigan, assisting countless families in securing stable homes. Her work on the board of directors for Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND) since 2016 has been instrumental in overseeing federal and state funds aimed at combating ending homelessness.

Pamela's subsequent roles included serving as a community health worker at Priority Health, focusing on empowering mothers and their infants. She further expanded her expertise by working as a mental health technician in an emergency department, where her understanding of behavioral health was essential in supporting individuals grappling with addiction and mental health issues.

In her current role at firsthand, which she has held for nearly a year, Pamela applies her lived experiences and extensive knowledge to help her individuals navigate their own recoveries. She finds motivation and inspiration in the individuals she helps.

Outside of her professional life, Pamela enjoys pitching horseshoes and is a member of a ranked team in Michigan. She is also pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She views this as a natural progression of her devotion to helping others, enabling her to amplify her impact.

As a mother of a daughter who has battled substance use disorder and mental health, Pamela possesses unique empathy and insight into the struggles faced by those in recovery. She takes great pride in maintaining her relationship with her daughter and supporting her journey toward sobriety.

Overall, Pamela’s life story is one of resilience, transformation, and boundless compassion. Through her advocacy, she has demonstrated that change is possible. Her commitment to her community and the individuals she serves prove that personal challenges can blossom into opportunities for profound change and healing.