Haven scholarship program helps formerly homeless become counselors

A Libertyville non-profit that counsels homeless women and children is offering a new scholarship program that will allow formerly homeless women to become counselors themselves.

Lake County Haven is providing scholarships to graduates of their program to become counselors for people with substance-use disorders. They will do this by earning a CADC certificate which focuses on helping others in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. This course of study takes up to three years, depending on the school, said Lake County Haven Executive Director Laura Sabino.

With increased pleas for shelter and services, the scholarship program made sense, Sabino said. The agency and other employers who need certified counselors will gain new, trained staff, and the participants will get to start a new career that allows them to help others.

"This is something our clients always really want to do," Sabino said. "They will say, 'The Haven saved me, or my case manager saved me.' Their experiences of being homeless, enduring trauma, and having an addiction, and then being able to survive that and thrive, has so profoundly impacted them that they want help others in similar circumstances."

"It's a dream come true," said Heidi Hoffman, a Haven graduate who now is a part-time site supervisor at the agency and a scholarship recipient. "I want to be that glimmer of hope for someone else."

In 2021, Lake County Haven had more women asking to get into their program than ever before in their history, and 2022 is on track to surpass that, Sabino said. The agency provides shelter, wholesome meals, counseling, advocacy, case management, and six hours of educational and therapeutic groups every day.

Women who enter Lake County Haven are homeless, isolated, and have often endured years of trauma. Often there are physical and mental illnesses as well as addiction. They need support from educated and certified counselors.

Like Hoffman, Christina Buscemi is excited to return to school and conquer one of her biggest regrets - not following through with her education.

"Being able to give back by touching the lives of other women in need keeps the mission of the Haven and the program alive in me," Buscemi said. "I am eternally grateful to the Haven. I truly feel I have not only been given a new life but taught a much better way of living."

In the counselor-training program, participants will develop listening skills, learn to help people make changes in their life, and help people to see their own worth and value, Sabino said.

Hoffman is happy to share about the success she has had because of the help she received at Lake County Haven.

Hoffman arrived at Lake County Haven with only a single bag of clothing. She felt desperate and hopeless. What helped her recover and maintain sobriety were dedicated, understanding case managers, a structured program and her faith.

"The big thing about Lake County Haven is that they believed in me and loved me until I could believe in and love myself," Hoffman said. "I have a purpose now, and it's to help other women who struggle. I think it means a lot to the women to lead by example and show it does work. Recovery is possible."

Hoffman said the scholarship is allowing her to fulfill a dream she has held for 10 years to become a counselor. Hoffman will have a lot to share with her future clients.

"Just have faith that if you take the next step and do the next right thing, it will get better - one day at a time," Hoffman said. "Embrace the help and be open minded and willing. I share my personal story. I've been there. Things will get better."

Alexis Zouitini looks forward to giving back what she has been given, which is another chance at life.

"I already love to help anyone I can," Zouitini said. "This means a lot to me, and I'm excited to learn more about recovery and different ways to help others like me. I just know what and how it feels to know that someone didn't give up on me."

To learn more about Lake County Haven or to donate to offset the costs of the scholarship program and other services, visit lakecountyhaven.org.