Annie Ford

Annie’s road to BOSS’s Multi-Agency Service Center (MASC) was long and hard. She grew up in an abusive home and was later placed in foster care. “I was placed in many foster homes,” she said. “I started running away a lot.” At the age of 17 Annie tried to hide her pain with alcohol and began using hard drugs at the age of 26. Her life spiraled downward into addiction, homelessness and jail.

After graduating from Options Recovery program twice, her Shelter Plus Care Worker of 13 years helped Annie get into a recovery program called Sisters. “It wasn’t until I wanted recovery for me did things that I learned begin to kick in.” She was sent to the MASC for Payee assistance. “I would not be the miracle that I am today without the sincere support of MASC, Options, my Auntie Vernita, and my Dad.”

Annie has maintained her sobriety since 2001 and is actively engaged in regular recovery meetings. She credits her recovery and her happiness to the deep connection she has with her church. She has a Shelter Plus Care subsidy that helps her pay for a Hayward apartment. Her home is filled with her collection of 46 clocks and her latch hook artwork. She fills her life with people that love her and who give her strength. She is currently attending ministry school. Her story is one of courage and a journey back to self-respect and self-love. “For those who are still going through the storm, hang in and keep your faith in God,” Annie said.

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