Stacy Garcia’s Story
Interview By: Orlando Voyager
“Stacy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?”
Hi, my name is Stacy Garcia and I am the founder of Rehabilitation of the Heart Inc.
My journey to creating this non-profit organization began in my childhood, growing up in an area where drugs and crime were prevalent. I watched many of my friends and family fall victim to their environment, including my own father who was in and out of the system for as long as I can remember.
My father was one of those who fell victim to the streets. From as far back as I can remember, he was in and out of the criminal justice system, involved in drug dealing and drug use. My mother was no better. When I was just five years old, my brother and I were placed in the foster care system. We have bounced around from one home to another, never staying in one place for more than a year. It was a difficult and lonely existence, and I often felt like a burden wherever I went.
Despite all of this, I had an unbreakable bond with my father. He was my hero, my protector, and my confidante. Looking back now, I realize that I was more of an alibi for him, a shield to protect him from the law. He knew that my love and loyalty for him were unwavering, and I would always stand by his side.
One Thanksgiving, when I was a young girl, my father had just returned home after being away for some time. He had a fire in his eyes and was itching to hit the streets. He told the family that he needed to run to Walmart, and everyone knew what that meant. But he said he would take me along, which eased everyone’s mind because they knew he would never do anything foolish while I was with him. Little did they know I was the keeper of his secrets.
We got into a taxi, and my father made a point of having the driver take us to Walmart, just for show. But we both knew where we were headed. We pulled up to an old house near the interstate, and my father paid the taxi driver to keep me in the car with him. He went inside to handle his business, and I fell asleep in the backseat. When I woke up, my father was gone. Again.
There are many memories from my childhood that no child should ever have to experience. But despite the hardships, I never lost hope that things would get better.
When I was thirteen, my father was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
After my father was released from prison, I witnessed him struggle to reintegrate into society and become institutionalized. Meanwhile, my brother followed in his footsteps and was in and out of the prison system himself. I lost many friends to drugs, suicide, and crime, and I knew I needed to make a change. I created a business plan to provide vocational training and job placement assistance to ex-offenders, with the goal of breaking the cycle of recidivism and giving people the resources, they need to succeed.
In 2020, I was faced with my own health challenges as breast cancer returned for the third time. It was then that I knew I had to live for my purpose and Rehabilitation of the Heart Inc was born. Through our non-profit organization, we provide vocational training and job placement services to ex-offenders with the potential to make six figures. I don’t expect to help every single person coming out of prison, but I want to be there for those who are ready and willing to make a change. I want each individual I work with to know that they are not a burden and that we truly care about their life and goals.
My journey has been marked by tragedy and hardship, but it has also been one of resilience and determination. I am proud of the work I am doing with Rehabilitation of the Heart Inc and the impact we are making in the lives of ex-offenders.
“We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?”
Rehabilitation of the Heart has encountered several hurdles and obstacles. Firstly, the high demand for our services has posed a significant challenge. While we would like to assist everyone who requires our aid, our focus is on providing quality care rather than quantity. Thus, we strive to avoid admitting too many individuals into our programs, as it may compromise our ability to offer each person the undivided attention and time they need and deserve.
Secondly, rehabilitating ex-offenders is a complex and personalized process. Some individuals require minimal assistance, while others may need extensive support. This variability presents unique challenges to our organization, as we must tailor our rehabilitation efforts to suit each person’s individual needs.
Finally, funding has been a persistent challenge for us. Our ability to provide comprehensive services is heavily dependent on the availability of resources. However, securing funding can be difficult, and we have had to work hard to ensure that we can offer full services to those who need it most.
“Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about the Rehabilitation of the Heart?”
Our mission is to restore hope while rehabilitating the heart by building strong children, strong families, and strong communities.
At Rehabilitation of the Heart, we want to give back to the community, individuals, and their families by providing an opportunity for a second chance in life. Our goal is to give them the tools they need to provide for their families and keep them off the streets.
We strive to not only give individuals the education and training they need but also place them into jobs and help with their mental and financial well-being.
Rehabilitation of the Heart (ROTH) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2020 in Tampa, Florida. ROTH’s mission is to provide support and services to individuals who are homeless, ex-offenders, and veterans, with a focus on helping them transition to stable housing and employment. The organization offers a variety of services, including job training and placement.
One of the things that sets ROTH apart from others is its commitment to community involvement and collaboration. The organization works closely with local businesses, government agencies, and other non-profits to achieve its goals of empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and productive members of society.
ROTH also provides a fully equipped facility to support various training programs, including a welding lab, fully equipped classrooms, an Auto Glass program, and a Freight Dispatcher program. The organization is dedicated to providing students with the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
In summary, ROTH is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing support and services to individuals who are homeless, ex-offenders, and veterans, with a focus on helping them transition to stable housing and employment. The organization is known for its commitment to community involvement and collaboration, as well as its fully equipped facility to support various training programs.
ROTH is most proud of its mission to rebuild, restore and revitalize different communities throughout Florida and establish self-sustaining communities. Readers should know that ROTH is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to become self-sufficient and productive.
“What do you think about happiness?”
Nothing brings me greater joy than witnessing the success stories of individuals who have been impacted by our collaboration. It’s an amazing feeling to see them excel in their careers while changing the narrative for themselves, their families, and future generations. The journey is particularly rewarding when you consider those who are released directly from incarceration with nothing but the clothes on their back.
With the help of a mentor, attending our training sessions, and finding their career path, they go from owning their first car to purchasing their first home and providing for themselves and their loved ones. Seeing the joy and hope reflected in their eyes is an unparalleled experience.
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