Growing up in greater Los Angeles, DeShawn’s early years were filled with love and simple joys. But as time passed and he entered his teens, things began to change.

DeShawn started hanging out with gangs (joining a few years later) because he thought it was “fun.” He started stealing, causing trouble and became a “bad seed.” Even after being kicked out of his mother’s house to live with his aunties in Lancaster, he kept making bad choices, including selling and doing drugs, getting into fights, and getting kicked out of school – although he did manage to graduate from high school.

A few years later, DeShawn caught his first strike for strong-arm robbery, leading to a vicious cycle of committing crimes, getting high, and being in and out of prison. Although he did experience periods of sobriety and stability, it wasn’t until he completed a treatment program at Yellowstone that he truly began to turn his life around.  “Yellowstone was a definite turning point for me,” notes DeShawn. “It was at Yellowstone that I realized I COULD be sober.”  His case manager at Yellowstone also connected him with Action Alliance, where he’s lived since 2023.

Sober since August 24, 2023, DeShawn has worked as a forklift operator at a local valve manufacturer since 2024. He is also engaged to Sabrina, one of Action Alliance’s house managers – they got to know each other when both were working in telemarketing. 

“I’ve regained my family’s trust during the last two years – they actually want me around!” explains DeShawn. “Thankfully, my mother was always supportive of me, even when I was deep into my addiction. She did deal with me from a distance but never gave up on me.” He’s now in touch with all of his brothers and sisters, although there is still some healing to do. 

DeShawn credits Action Alliance with providing a good environment to maintain his sobriety. “They took me in and treated me with open arms!” he says. He even recently became an assistant manager at an Action Alliance house.  DeShawn also attends AA meetings and actively works with a sponsor. 

Long-term, DeShawn is looking forward to buying a house, marrying Sabrina and starting a family. He’s also looking forward to reconnecting with his three sons from a previous relationship and creating a stable home life.  

DeShawn’s words of wisdom? “Always put you and your sobriety first. You may have people in your life that try and have you choose otherwise. Stay focused and remember what the goal is – long-term sobriety.”