It was three years ago that Darrell Smith came to VHA and today he is a Lead Peer Support Specialist who uses his lived experience to support the clients that he serves.  He is all about supporting clients - whether it be accompanying them to the DMV, Social Services, or even the beach, his goal is to serve. Darrell has been instrumental in outreach including schools and even encampments disseminating information about VHA’s programs.

 

As a teen, Darrell began selling drugs but redirected his life by joining the Navy at 18. While in the Navy, he got charged with murder and two attempted murders. This happened when he returned to his house and was faced with confronting people who were doing him wrong.

Darrell was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison. However, under the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Darrel served 28 years in prison and was released 12 years early. After prison, it was hard to maintain a job with medical issues Darrel faced, but VHA made it easy.

 

“Valley Health was very supportive and loyal to me; I didn’t have to stress about losing my job,” he said. “Everyday is an adventure,” he said.

 

Darrell encourages those who are going through recovery without hope to look at what he’s built over 4 years. Darrel is highly appreciative of VHA, not only from the aid he’s received, but also for the opportunity to help those seeking it.