I was a client at ITS back in 2006 to 2008. I came into ITS in real bad shape and needed a tremendous amount of healing and help.
I was suffering from mental health/addiction and PTSD. I had a serious case I was dealing with Alameda County Superior Court.
I had to enroll in an outpatient recovery program and adhere to all court and program guidelines. I was at ITS prior to my case and then as part of my sentence, the judge had me stay for an additional year and complete my program at ITS.
At enrollment, I came with heavy issues. I was a victim of a very violent crime and very new to recovery from drugs.
I lived in ITS’s Womens recovery home with other women seeking recovery. My environment was always safe, loving, nurturing and positive. I relearned how to live life in on life’s terms. While there, learned how to get a job, keep a job and stay employed. I learned how to manage my finances and how to save and conserve my resources.
ITS management helped us by teaching us real life skills and how to be responsible members of a loving community. Collectively, we learned how to take care of our recovery home by doing daily chores, weekly meetings, and a complete overall double scrub once a month. By doing this, we learned how to maintain and manage a very clean environment for all.
We all signed a contract which required a certain amount of responsibility and adhering to house rules. For example, we had a curfew of 10 PM, and given a certain amount of space for our belongings and food storage .
Our kitchen was always clean and orderly as we were required to clean immediately after we cooked and ate.
Also, we had to act responsibly when it came to using excessive water and electricity. We were apart of a community and the whole community had to do their part in conserving these resources due to drought and grid failures.
Also the monthly rental charge was, and is one of the lowest amounts in the Bay Area. That monthly rental charge included and still includes all utilities which is an unbeatable deal.
They could charge more monthly but they don’t because the majority of the clients receive some sort of monthly financial assistance from the government, and they would not be able to afford their rent if this consideration wasn’t made by ITS.
Us clients were all given a voice, and how the house should be run, and when there was a conflict, it was resolved very quickly in a matter, which was fair. Our house had a house manager, and we took direction from her. ITS management came by the house on a regular basis and were always available for us to contact should we need them.
ITS helped me reach my goals in recovery and seeking the help I needed with my mental health and severe PTD.
I was a client there for over two years in those years I learned how to become a productive member of society, learned how to live with other women where we respected each other, and were essential to each other’s growth. Had it not been for ITS’s nurturing environment it provided I would not be alive and doing as well as I’m doing now. I now have 17 1/2 years of continuous recovery and I’m flourishing in life. Those skills I learned while living at the woman’s house still benefit me today. I was so lucky to have been given the opportunity to participate as a client at IIS.
I have stayed in contact with ITS over the years and volunteer there often.
I highly recommend anyone seeking recovery and a safe place to seek help from ITS.
I was helped out by ITS when I was about to be homeless and had no other options. Thanks to the owner I was able to move in as fast as possible. When I first moved in I wasn't on very good terms with people in general but over time I have learned to get along with everyone and that was thanks to the wonderful people who are in charge here. I honestly feel very safe at this home with all the security that the property has. I love being able to live somewhere that is safe and guarded
This entity will put on a sweet grin and soft voice and bam!, you fell for the first trick. The second trick is her fancy quotes out of the recovery books, now she has you thinking she’s a righteous leader of living life sober and recovering. The third trick is on her because your getting EXPOSED.
$ Can’t run water between 4pm and 9pm
$ Obligated to watch her dogs all 5 or 6 of them
$ No courtesy, talks very rudely to others, yells and use curse words
$ always gossiping, criticizing and belittling others
$ basement renovated into room for rent (ILLEGAL!)
$ Staged her Oakland house for funding for residents at Hayward home, lied to funding program
$ Will not turn on heater for warmth in winter except for 1 hour a night 9pm to 10pm
$ Allows certain or favored residents to rule over, bully other residents