Ja’nai is a 31-year-old single mom with an 11-year-old son. She was born in San Jose and grew up in the foster care system from an early age. She struggled with depression, and for years family and friends urged her to seek therapy. She was also worried about how she would pay rent. The persistent echoes of their encouragement eventually led Ja’nai to take the courageous step of reaching out for help, which is how she found AACI.

Starting her journey with AACI, Ja’nai found solace in regular counseling sessions with Amani, a Behavioral Health Counselor with AACI’s CalWORKS program. Amani’s support and encouragement have been instrumental in restoring Ja’nai’s self-esteem and guiding her toward self-improvement. During one of their counseling sessions, Ja’nai confided that she needed dental work but had not seen a dentist for quite some time due to life circumstances. Amani was happy to share that AACI has many essential health services available for clients, including dental services at AACI Family Dentistry. With one easy phone call, Amani was able to provide a referral and “warm handoff” to AACI’s dental services – setting up an appointment for Ja’nai and her son in a timely manner, underscoring AACI’s comprehensive approach to care.

At AACI Family Dentistry, Ja’nai and her son received care from the dentists, who performed a complete exam and set a plan to restore their dental health. Ja’nai shared, “I had my second deep cleaning at AACI dental and I’m so happy with the results, all the built-up plaque is finally gone.” 

When asked about her experience with AACI, Ja’nai highlights the sense of security and reliability she finds in our services, whether it be counseling or dentistry.

“I am better off because of AACI. I have the support I need,” Ja’nai said.

Of the many memories Ja’nai cherishes from her time at AACI, one stands out—the simple gesture of Amani providing cups of water for her at every session. This symbolic act represents the refreshment and rejuvenation Ja’nai experiences after each session, serving as a reminder of her journey towards self-care and healing.

Ja’nai finds comfort and security in AACI’s services, viewing them as a stable foundation upon which she can build her future. Reflecting on her journey, Ja’nai acknowledges the profound impact AACI has had on her life. Without their support, she believes she would still be trapped in the depths of depression, unable to break free from the cycle of self-neglect. To others facing similar struggles, Ja’nai says, “Show up for yourself, even if you don’t want to go in person, there is this zoom options, just make the call.”

Through AACI, Ja’nai has found a community of caring individuals who provide unwavering support and guidance and are dedicated to her well-being.

“(My future) is pearly bright!” she says, “I am excited to keep working with my counselor. She knows things that I go through and struggle with but she’s supportive and I appreciate that. I’m improving myself and I look forward to improving myself on a daily basis.”

To learn more about AACI CalWORKs program, please visit CalWORKS Community Health Alliance, Behavioral Health support – AACI.

To learn more about AACI Family Dentistry, please visit Affordable Dental Care | AACI Family Dentistry.