An Emerging Parent Leader: Yvette Hamilton

2 ½ years ago I felt like I was going crazy. I didn’t know my son DJ had autism and ADHD and I was in a domestic violence relationship. I felt like the world was closing in and I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I felt like I was a failure as a mother.

A counselor for my other son Roy, referred me to CII and that’s when my prayers were answered.

I learned patience and how to understand my son. I learned to follow his lead and to communicate with him. And I had a lot of appointments to keep.

And then, I started

  • talking to other parents
  • Asking questions and
  • Reading

And now I’m working towards becoming a parent leader. Project ABC helped me by opening doors with the family committee. I was able to help plan events and the yearly calendar. Every thing I’ve done with Project ABC helped me learn to advocate for myself, that my voice matters and I have something to say.

Sonia Moreno asked me about taking the Digital Stories workshop. I said “yes” because it was something I hadn’t done before and I felt I had a story to tell. The Digital Stories Workshop helped me learn that there are other people out there who also have stories. I had a chance to get together with other families and share our experiences. It taught me how to tell my story and make an impression on other people.

After the workshop, I showed my Digital Story to DJ’s school and they asked me to come out and speak. I was a guest speaker at the Lanterman Regional Service Provider Advisory Committee 11th Annual Breakfast at the California Endowment. I spoke to a group that included the regional center and other community agencies and parents. There were at least 60 - 70 people there. They gave me a standing ovation and told me I did well. It opened doors as afar as helping other parents and advocating. I applied for and was accepted into Partners in Policymaking.

Now I am happy, full of life and I feel like I have a place in life. My family is happier and my boys get along better. I am a happy outgoing young lady. I’m not as shy. I have a new love in my life.

Between Project ABC and new love – I’m a whole new me.