From Cell Bars to Bright Futures: A Story of Redemption and Renewal
Aaron Vasquez spent most of his early life waking up in a jail cell. It wasn’t until his late 30s that he experienced an epiphany—he wanted a different morning view.
Growing up in Salinas, California, Aaron faced a strict home environment that led him into gang life, drug use, and incarceration at just 13 years old. During his tumultuous years in and out of prison, he suffered a devastating loss when his pregnant fiancée was killed in a car accident. “I had to bury her and she was pregnant with our daughter. And when that happened, that's kind of like where I kind of fell off the deep end,” recalled Aaron.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Aaron's life took a dark turn. “I couldn't sleep. I was actually scared to go to sleep for a long time,” he admits. It was during his time in prison when he had a breakthrough moment: “I was just kind of sitting there and thinking, ‘man I don't belong here no more. When I get out of here, I’m never going to come back,’” said Aaron.
Upon his release, Aaron connected with religion after joining a Christian group home, where he formed supportive friendships. These connections led him to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services in Bakersfield, California. Diagnosed with a mental health disability, he received the medication and support he needed. He then moved to Phoenix and continued his VR journey with a new counselor, Alicia, who played a crucial role in his recovery. “She really helped me a lot. Every time I talk to her, I thank her for that because it's hard to find help nowadays,” he shares.
Alicia helped Aaron obtain his Commercial Driver’s License to achieve his employment goal of a career in truck driving. “They helped me get my work clothes [and] they helped me with a laptop,” said Aaron. Today, Aaron works for Ravelli Trucking Company and is thriving. “It feels so good to be a part of the community now. All I got to say if anybody is fighting the good fight right now, don't get discouraged. You got to learn to press forward and just know that there's help out there,” encourages Aaron.
If you or someone you know has a disability and needs help with employment, contact the DES VR Program.
