Much More Than A Self-Help Group

By Hugo Gonzales

Coach and Alumni Coordinator

In 2014, I walked through the doors of Success Stories as a facilitator.

At that time, I didn’t know that this experience would become much more than just a self-help group. It changed my way of thinking and even my way of speaking. I've come to realize that I'm much more than just a label of, “being a man”. I'm a human being with the ability to communicate and connect with other human beings by simply being vulnerable and letting go of the distorted belief that vulnerability is a weakness.

Once I recognized my vulnerability as a strength, it helped me to be my authentic self which was instrumental in me becoming CEO of Success Stories while I was incarcerated at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, CA.

To say that Success Stories has changed my life is an understatement. I'm grateful for my experiences and I'm extremely grateful to continue my experiences with Success Stories as a staff member who continues to carry on the anti-patriarchy movement. There’s no doubt that the amazing journey carries on.