Former Wallis House Resident is Thriving & Giving Back
It has been almost three years since Amber McCline was a resident at Wallis House. Early this year Amber reconnected with Wallis House Director, Maricela Echeverri to reflect on the essential role Aviva played for her and her family and to tell about the metamorphosis she and her family have experienced. Amber’s story is so moving, she was honored as Aviva’s Inspiration Award recipient at our annual event, Lifting up LA – A Night of Hope in Hollywood, on Saturday, June 3.
Like most of Aviva’s clients, Amber had endured extensive disadvantages, significant trials and heart-wrenching trauma and abuse, before coming to Aviva. As the pandemic began, Amber was a single parent of three children, expecting her fourth child, working a full-time job and experiencing homelessness. Amber and her children lived with intense insecurity, and then, when Amber’s children were placed in foster care, they all endured the devastating consequences of family separation.
While living at Wallis House, Amber was provided the resources, tools and encouragement to replenish her inner strength and determination, and to regain her sense of confidence which would be instrumental in rebuilding a stable, healthy and fulfilling life. Amber expresses deep appreciation for the many gifts Walls House offered her: a physically secure and calm home with privacy for sleep; community spaces
for social connection; good food and abundant resources in contrast to the chaotic environments she had experienced in other shelters.
Amber speaks tenderly of the kindness, patience and guidance she experienced in her relationships with Wallis House staff. She felt that for the first time there were people who stood with her, not against her. The fight or flight feelings that had hampered her were replaced with a sense of hope. Amber’s healing journey had begun.
Since leaving Wallis House, Amber has flourished in a myriad of ways. She gave birth to her fourth child and established a permanent home where she and her three older children were reunited with their newborn sister to live together as a family. Amber’s accomplishments abound! At present, she works as a case manager, youth mentor and first responder supporting youth who have been sexually exploited (CSEC). She is writing two books, designing a coloring book, creating and exhibiting art, guest speaking on domestic violence and human trafficking, and was recently featured in a film on community mental health.
Today, Amber and her children are thriving! Amber has triumphed in her determination to live safely and independently with dignity and agency and build a bright future for herself and her children.