carissa's Story

My name is Carissa, and I’ve been part of Brookside Community Development for the past few months. For years, I struggled with bipolar depression. A few months ago, I lost my job—and after that, even the simplest things felt overwhelming. Some days, it took everything just to get out of bed. Moving forward felt impossible.

Then I found Brookside.

From the moment I walked in, something felt different. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen, understood, and at home. I wasn’t just another person struggling—I was someone worth investing in. Brookside didn’t just offer help—it offered a path forward. A place where I could rebuild, grow, and take real steps toward stability.

Because of Brookside, I’m beginning to see myself differently. I’m learning that I am more than my mental health, more than my past, more than the setbacks I’ve faced. I’m discovering strength I didn’t know I had. Here, I’m not defined by where I’ve been—I’m empowered to grow into who I’m meant to be.

And that has been life-changing.

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