“Something I've learned in the past 3 years is that there is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING that a little resilience, perseverance, determination and hard work can stop you from achieving your goals. Barriers can be resolved, moved, or become irrelevant. "Barriers"- h.s drop out, addict, 3x convicted felon, MULTIPLE incarcerations, child born in prison, child abuse & neglect civil case, woman, single mother, homeless, unemployable, lack of transportation Those are the barriers I was facing. Here's what I have achieved. Sobriety, stable and permanent employment, a vehicle, full custody & all legal rights to my child, GED, a house that we've exceeded the length of the lease 2x, a college education, good credit, a bank account and the countless material things that don't really matter. I started as a mid-night shelter manager (temporary position), that led to an opportunity to train to be a peer coach, which led to an opportunity to be an intervention specialist, that led to being a Continuum of Care/Outreach manager for a detox program in a hospital, to the newest chapter in my life. Region 1 State Opioid Response Programs Administrator. I worked tirelessly, accepted little pay for a lot of work, graduated out of the welfare system, and made a name for myself. Became a brand. On this journey, I have YET to experience hitting any "walls" because of the things society tells us will hinder our lives. I wouldn't recommend deliberately going out and causing barriers, but know that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING you WORK HARD for. The concept of the word NO, doesn't exist in my experience of life. Don't let it exist in yours!”

— Lauren Kotz