Mentee Spotlight
Mary Lou Walker has a beautiful smile that remained hidden for many years. After her last six-year stint in prison, Mary Lou became a client of the Center for Women in Transition in October 2007 and finally feels like she is getting her life back on track. Living in North County with a cousin, her first priority after being released in October was getting mentally and physically healthy. Mary Lou came out of prison with post-traumatic stress disorder which left her with a debilitating fear of being around other people. Now, with time and treatment, she is becoming more and more social, riding the Call-a-Ride bus by herself, attending Let’s Start meetings and generally spending more time out of the house.
Mary Lou suffers from Hepatitis C, but she is now able to receive interferon treatments that are improving her overall health. She is also waiting to have hip surgery, but she is getting by with pain medications. In the meantime, Mary Lou is actively seeking a job in electronics, which she has a natural talent for, and then wants to be able to move into her own place. In order to help her prepare for employment, she worked with Vocational Rehabilitation and the Center for Head Injury Services. She now has an individualized employment plan and has begun her job search with their assistance.
Mary Lou credits the Center for Women in Transition program for all of the progress she has made so far, stating that they have helped her to achieve goals and made her feel special just by always calling to check on her. “It means something when you call somebody that they will really listen and let you know that you are not alone, ” Mary Lou said. “[The staff] has helped me realize that I’m not the only person going through this. Sometimes I just call when I’m lonely or struggling and they’ll talk to me and believe in me.”
Mary Lou cites her biggest inspiration as Barbara Baker, advocate director for Center for Women in Transition. Mary Lou and Barbara were incarcerated together many years ago, and Mary Lou is awed at all that Barbara has been able to accomplish. “I just want my life to be where Barbara’s is someday,” Mary Lou said.
Susan Mounce, Mary Lou’s mentor and mentee services coordinator for Women in Transition noted, “Mary has all of these challenges and most people would see these as obstacles and reasons not to try. But Mary wants more for herself. She inspires me!”
And now, even when things are tough, Mary Lou can't hide her smile.
