06/03/2026
This woman, right here. Not quit sure if actual words can describe her. But I’ll try (with no help from 🤖)
This woman, from day one, jumped right in, wanting to help in anyway possible. She rose above any and all situations set before her, without wavering. The residents look up to her with such respect, because she isn’t, “ do what I say” rather “do as I.”
She CHOOSES, each morning, to rise above each and every obstacle. She wears her heart on her sleeve and has genuine compassion for others. ALL WHILE, demonstrating loving and appropriate boundaries and holding others accountable, not with shame or belittlment, but with kindness, genuine love and compassion. (While she may or may not be, legit, tearing up inside)
(Okay…as most, may, know, I can have a tendency to write books so I will spare you all with that…no promises 😬)
But, this woman has gone through deep personal pain, while breaking out of her cacoon and transforming into this beautiful butterfly. 🦋 (that, God so kindly allowed me to witness 💛) She is, legit, one of the strongest woman I know, but she’s a human who cares deeply (insert sad face) and, as we all do, has her own personal pain and struggles, BUT CHOOSES, to press on and each time, becoming a better woman and director. (Okay, okay..Not a book, maybe a short novel..progress not perfection)
BUT…
So stinking proud of you, Vanessa Contreras!
You truly are a rarity in this, sometimes, cruel and broken 🌎 . I am a better person to know you and honored to call you “friend.”
Prison to Director of 2 sober homes in SIX MONTHS…what?! Unheard of..
Xoxo,
Beth