These mental health recovery stories share lived experiences of healing, connection, and community-based support through Interim, Inc.
CHRONICLES
Courage
Stories are powerful. They can motivate and inspire us, as well as reshape our beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. When we have lost hope, they can remind us we are worthy of love from ourselves and others, that we are capable of achieving our goals. Interim believes in the power of storytelling. We believe that everyone has the power to change their life’s direction at any moment to chart a new path. Please enjoy these uplifting stories of recovery. We cannot take full credit for their successes, only for doing our best to create an environment to nurture healing and hope.
Interim Makes You Shine
“I want each and every one of my peers to move through the system, to find out what their dreams are, to be able to educate themselves to make those dreams come true, because that is what Interim has done for me. No matter how downtrodden you are, the dirtier the better, they clean you off and brush you up and make you shine. I was a shattered piece of glass and they helped me put it back together and guild it with gold. Now I am a beautiful work of art.”
Kontrena McPheter
Peer Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator
Meet Antonio
Antonio’s recovery story highlights his journey of resilience and the transformative power of hope.
Meet Sam
Sam talks about his life’s transformation from deep depression to a fulfilling career helping others.Â
Meet Kontrena
Kontrena talks about how Interim helped her transform her life and mold her into a Program Coordinator for the agency, which gives her the opportunity to help others live their life’s dream.
Meet Mario
Mario talks about his journey of emotional growth and personal healing, where he learned the skills he needed to manage his mental health. Having overcome his own challenges, he is able to provide hope to others to do the same.Â
Meet Jason
Jason recovered from a childhood governed by instability, trauma and substance abuse by learning the skills he needed to live a richer life full of compassion and love.Â
Meet Clover
Clover struggled with her addiction and mental illness, but transformed her life with what she learned in Interim’s programs.Â
Meet Beth
Beth shares how Interim empowered her to lead a life of independence, gratitude, and determination, proving that it’s never too late to change your narrative and truly live.
Meet Lindsay
Lindsay talks about how Interim is at the forefront of mental health care with its peer-based services. Through her experiences with Interim’s programs, she was able to transform her life.
Meet Sue Ellen
Sue Ellen was empowered to transform her life’s journey after finding respect, acceptance, and opportunities for meaningful work helping her peers. Â
Meet Sarah
Interim gave Sarah the tools and knowledge she needed to overcome her life’s challenges and rediscover her own sense self-worth.Â
Meet Carla
Carla found an emotional refuge at Interim with the unwavering support from professionals dedicated to her well-being, which helped her build a new life. Â
WritTen Stories OF HOUSING, HEALING & HOPE
Every person we serve has a story. These written client features highlight the lived experiences of adults navigating mental illness, homelessness, and recovery in Monterey County. Through supportive housing, compassionate services, and community connection, individuals build stability, purpose, and renewed hope. Explore their journeys below.
All You Need is Love
One thing Sarah Chandler projects is strength. This strength comes from the challenge of facing mental illness and learning to love oneself, a crucial aspect
Jenna Setterberg: Finding Strength in Recovery
Jenna Setterberg is smiling a lot these days, which is noteworthy when you realize that for much of her life, she was unable to smile.