04/21/2021
Meet Tom Booth! Tom’s backstory is one of recovery, hope, and selflessness. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, his life changed drastically for the better when he moved to the West Valley in 1985. A challenging early family life--raised by a single mother with four siblings and no support from his father--shaped what would become a life of public service based on empathy and experience. Tom knows what it’s like for a family to barely scrape by. He and his older brothers all began using drugs at a young age, and each developed serious substance use issues. Fortunately, he managed to ask for and receive help before he lost his job or his life. Tom rented a bed in a sober living home in Northridge in 1985, and has since been in recovery, remaining ‘clean and sober’ for nearly 36 years. From these early experiences, Tom gained an understanding about the need for compassion, and an unrelenting hope in the human spirit.
Since becoming sober, Tom has spent his time providing service for others. Along with his 30-year career he was also a shop steward, he has been a sponsor in 12-Step programs, organizing recreational events, teaching youth sports teams, and, for the last six years, volunteering on the West Hills Neighborhood Council Board--where he helped found the Homelessness Committee. After retiring from his long term job, Tom returned to school to obtain a Master’s of Social Work and and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He currently works as a Psychiatric Social Worker at the LA County Department of Mental Health, primarily working with older adults.
Tom works in constant service to his community. Tom believes in helping others, because the help of others was what stood between him and disaster. Tom brings experience, compassion, and resilience to the West Hills Neighborhood Council.
Learn more about Tom's vision for West Hills by watching the video below. Watch the opening statements of all of our candidates at http://electwesthills.com/
