Meet Nancy Alexander, A Story of Hope

Nancy Alexander is a familiar face to the Caminar community. She is featured on the cover of Caminar’s brochure and her story of resilience and determination has been an inspiration to the many people in the community and who have helped her on her way.

Nancy recently spoke at Caminar’s Annual Employee Appreciation Event and shared highlights of her life’s successes and how Caminar supported her path to recovery.

Nancy was her high school’s student body president and a real go-getter until she began suffering from health issues. At 32 years-old, she began having hallucinations and hearing voices. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and even with the help of medications was unable to care for herself and sometimes hospitalized.

During a hospital stay a nurse told Nancy about Caminar. That led to her entering Redwood House, a 30-day crisis center designed to help clients transition from hospitalization into community living.

While at Redwood House, Nancy found a roommate and transitioned into community living with the help of Caminar’s Supported Housing assistance and has appreciated the ongoing support from Caminar’s case management program.

Nancy started volunteering at the South County Mental Health Center and at the local public library.  During this time, she started working with Caminar’s Jobs Plus Employment support program and sought out a part-time job at Books Inc. in Palo Alto.

Nancy has been a cherished employee of Books Inc. in the Town and Country Village in Palo Alto for more than 10 years and living independently in the community.  She is an inspiration to all.

See Nancy's Video: