How This Former Addict Turned Her Life Around and Became a Woman of the Year Awardee

Anaheim, California - At one point in her life, Carmen Perez had a hard time loving herself. Her struggles with substance abuse had affected her career, her family, and all her personal relationships. She thought that there was no way out.

This was more than ten years ago before Perez finally decided to turn her life around towards recovery. In 2009, Perez entered the Lighthouse, a residential drug and alcohol treatment center in Anaheim.

“When I entered the Lighthouse, I was in a very difficult place but they believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. They loved me when I couldn’t love myself. It was through their program that I learned to change my behaviors and rebuild relationships with my family,” said Perez.

Successfully completing the program was just the start of her inspiring story. Perez was accepted to work as support staff in the same treatment center in September 2010 and she worked her way up until she was able to reach a senior position. Now, she serves as the Program Administrator for the Lighthouse. This role has allowed her to continuously give back to the community by helping others.

Perez’s work in the past ten years did not go unnoticed. During the Woman’s History Month Celebration in March, she was recently honored as one of ‘Woman of the Year’ awardees from the office of Congressman J. Luis Correa of California’s 46th District.

According to Congressman Correa, he hosted the award ceremony to recognize the exceptional women making the community a better place.

“These women are trailblazers and role models for our young women. They will serve as our agents of change for the next generation. It’s my honor to help shine the spotlight on these individuals and their many accomplishments,” said Correa.

For Perez, receiving the award means so much to her recovery journey and she remains thankful for the opportunity to help change more lives.

“It has been ten years but I am still ever so grateful. I pray that I can continue my journey of recovery and give back to others the same compassion and love that was given to me at the Lighthouse, “said Perez.

About Lighthouse Treatment Center
The Lighthouse, a residential treatment center offering drug and alcohol recovery services in the city of Anaheim, CA, has helped thousands of men and women achieve sobriety and an improved quality of life. As an industry leader, the Lighthouse is always looking for ways to better serve their clients and the surrounding communities.