kimberly

“It's a hard life, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy” 

Kimberly Sondoval lived in Santa Ana's Civic Center for over 15 years. She was born in Fullerton and adopted as a young child, and spent her childhood years living in Huntington Beach. "Everything was normal until one decision changed my life forever," she said regretfully. This one decision turned into a life of imprisonment and addiction. Behind this dark resume, I know the real Kimberly. I know the Kimberly with the big hopeful eyes that tear up as she plead for a solution or a way out of the Civic Center. Her addiction started at 16 years old and for the last few years, God's been moving in her heart to change. Kimberly talks a lot about the fears of living in "normal" society. "Everything's changed now. I went shopping with Kathleen the other day and everything is electronic now." When I was there everything used to be manual", she remembered. This big change is hard for her to realize; especially without healthy community and friends believing in her. Where she slept outside, she also called home. The familiarity, the neighbors and the community were her life and what she knew. Unfortunately, that very same population makes staying clean very hard. Kimberly has recently been afforded a housing voucher and is waiting on approval for her new apartment in Lake Forrest.

In many ways, Kimberly has been a leader in her community. Daily, she dreams of ways to advocate for her friends still looking for solutions for change. Together, Kimberly has helped us all understand the pains and traumas that exist within her community, as well as the joys and friendships that take place as well. As Kimberly steps into a new season, we are excited to see the dreams within her heart unfold.