My Story Is Still Being Written
I struggled with drugs and alcohol throughout much of my life. In 2016, I made the difficult decision to have my dad care for my eight-year-old son and went on what I thought would be one last “runner.” While in Las Vegas, I was in a rollover accident and somehow walked away with only a scratch on my knee. I prayed to my higher power that if I made it back to Carson City, I would enter treatment. Driving home through an incredible lightning storm, I continued to pray to something greater than myself. When I made it back, I kept my promise. I went through detox, entered the Gospel Mission, and graduated from the program in 2017. While there, I also earned my GED. After treatment, I became a house manager at a sober living home and eventually got my son back. I still had consequences from my past to face, but I continued moving forward. After returning from serving ten days in jail for a past DUI, I was hired as a receptionist at FISH—and that is where I found CIRCLES. For nearly four years, CIRCLES became an important part of my life. Around the Wednesday night dinner table, I built relationships with people from all walks of life—people I likely never would have known during my addiction. They shared their wisdom, resilience, and life experiences with me. I loved CIRCLES so much that I went through Phase I twice, and my son became part of the CIRCLES family too. I wish I could say everything from there was butterflies and rainbows, but it wasn’t. Life is real, and sobriety can be hard when you choose to no longer numb the pain. Today, I watch my son face some of the same difficult choices I once faced. As a mom, that has required tough love—setting boundaries, making difficult decisions, and recognizing that I can love him and believe in him, but I cannot make his choices for him.
That is something CIRCLES has helped me understand about support. Even when I haven’t been around for a while, when we come back together, it feels like family—the kind that is still there when life gets hard. Today, I am a case manager at Spirit of Hope, where I get to share my experience, strength, and hope with others who are struggling. I am also studying criminal justice with the dream of becoming a probation officer and helping people who may someday stand in the same shoes I once stood in. My story isn’t perfect, and it isn’t finished. There are still struggles, tough decisions, and days when life hurts. But today, I face those days sober, with support, purpose, and hope. Instead of running from my past, I am using it to help someone else find their way forward.
“For nearly four years, CIRCLES became an important part of my life.” -Dawnyel
Finding a Place to Belong
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
Finding Connection, Purpose & Community
My introduction to CIRCLES came through what some might call an interesting coincidence—or what I prefer to call God’s providence. A shared ride, a simple conversation, and an invitation to attend a Wednesday evening meeting led me to something I didn’t realize I needed. After losing my husband five years ago, my life turned upside down. I had to learn not only how to navigate life on my own, but also rediscover who I was and what I wanted my life to look like moving forward. CIRCLES became an important part of that journey. From my first Wednesday evening learning about vision boards and goals, I found a community of people who welcomed me, encouraged me, and gave me a place where I felt safe enough to be honest about the challenges in my life. The people I have met through CIRCLES have become dear friends. When I need advice or support, they give it to me straight—but it is always peppered with lots of love.
CIRCLES has also helped me become more connected to Carson City, opening doors to new experiences, volunteering, employment opportunities, resources, and greater involvement in the community I now proudly call home. I can’t predict the future, but I hope CIRCLES continues for many years to come. It is more than a place to find resources or work toward goals. It is a place to find connection, encouragement, friendship, and people who genuinely want to see you succeed. So, Yahoo CIRCLES—keep on doing your thang!
“I had to learn not only how to navigate life on my own, but also rediscover who I was and what I wanted my life to look like moving forward. CIRCLES became an important part of that journey.” -Laura
Harrison Family Testimony
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Our Mission:
The Capital City C.I.R.C.L.E.S. Initiative facilitates change and challenges self-limiting beliefs by Connecting Individuals to Resources that Change Lives and Enable Success.
“We envision a community working together to empower individuals moving towards a life of sustainability and abundance. Any individual or family willing to take responsibility for improving their lives has ready access to C.I.R.C.L.E.S.’ mentors, peer support, staff, and case management.”
Reach us at: 775.883.6506
After more than a decade of collaboration, Capital City CIRCLES and FISH (Friends in Service Helping) are deepening our partnership to better serve individuals and families in the region.
We have taken a major step forward in aligning our missions and maximizing community impact.
CIRCLES has moved its offices to the FISH Learning Center, adjacent to the FISH Student Housing. This move strengthens both the CIRCLES and FISH commitment to empower people through education, support, and opportunity.
