My name is Dante. When I first came to Nevada, I was facing many challenges. I had fled to this state out of fear of becoming homeless after years of experiencing toxic home environments, separation from family, and exposure to drug and alcohol abuse.

Leaving wasn’t my first attempt. At one point, I returned to California believing things with my family had truly changed. When the situation became worse, returning to Nevada was exceptionally difficult. I was desperate to find safety and stability, and when I couldn’t, I hit rock bottom mentally and emotionally. I eventually ended up at the Mallory Center, overwhelmed and wanting everything to stop. I received extensive therapy and was introduced to a wonderful organization called CIRCLES.

When I first came to CIRCLES, I met Kim and Denise. They were kind to me and helped me feel more secure than I had felt in a long time. When they invited me to attend the weekly meetings, I decided to give it a chance.

At first, I was extremely shy and reserved. I was easily overwhelmed, and my confidence was low, but I kept showing up because I was determined to do better and make things work. It was a rocky start with many ups and downs, but the CIRCLES community never gave up on me. They understood where I was coming from, supported me through the difficult moments, and helped me begin setting new goals for my future.

The path became clearer the longer I stayed connected. One of my first goals was to attend college. Although that plan initially fell through because of fees, I continued moving forward. I obtained my Nevada state ID and received a new bike for transportation. Those may have seemed like small steps, but to me, they were important victories that brought me closer to independence.

I found my first job through the recommendation of a former Phase I participant. I also began Phase I myself and, despite dealing with several illnesses along the way, successfully graduated.

By the middle of 2026, something truly began to change. I wasn’t as shy or overwhelmed anymore. I felt like I had finally found the support, family, and sense of belonging I had always wanted. CIRCLES was no longer somewhere I attended just to attend. It became a constant in my life and a place I looked forward to going every week.

CIRCLES helped me with more than accomplishing goals. They helped me plant roots in my community. I learned to open up, reach out, accept support, and build meaningful connections with the people around me.

Now, instead of fearing what the future might bring, I look forward to it.

Two of my biggest goals were to go to school and find true security in Carson City—a place I could finally call home. With the support of the people around me, I can now say with confidence that I have achieved both.

I am attending Western Nevada College and working toward my education degree. I also have a quiet and stable home away from the drama and anxiety I once lived with—a place where I can rest, focus on what is important, and enjoy the things I love again.

Because of the encouragement of my allies and everyone who has supported me, I also want to become more active in my community. They are still beside me when I need someone to lean on, but now I want to give some of that same love and support back to others.

That feeling can be overwhelming, but for once, it is overwhelming in a positive way.

I am incredibly grateful for the love, support, and community CIRCLES has given me. Even before I found a physical place to call home, CIRCLES gave me a place where I could belong and where I could truly be myself.

For the first time in a long time, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“I am incredibly grateful for the love, support, and community CIRCLES has given me. Even before I found a physical place to call home, CIRCLES gave me a place where I could belong and where I could truly be myself.” -Dante