Chris, now 33, grew up in a world full of hardship. Born in Stockton, he moved around before settling in Marin City when he was 12. Years before, his father went to prison when Chris was only 3, leaving him without a father figure. From a young age, Chris witnessed violence and found solace in substances as a way to cope with the pain. His battle with addiction spiraled, causing him to fall behind in school, get caught in the legal system, and cycle in and out of probation.
By the time Chris entered his early adulthood, he had sought help through a rehab center in an effort to heal from the trauma he had never fully processed. He was in desperate need of guidance, community, and a fresh start. But life after rehab proved to be just as challenging. For the next seven years, Chris struggled to survive on the streets of Marin County, camping in various spots, constantly on the move to avoid being arrested for sleeping outside. He never felt settled, never felt safe. Each new place he was asked to leave only deepened his sense of isolation.
Chris reflects on that time, saying, “I didn’t really think that there were people out there that really wanted to help, that really could help.” But one day, when he came to the Mary Isaak Center in Petaluma for food, something shifted. He remembers, “I saw people. They were very kind and welcoming. I thought, ‘Okay, that’s a good, safe place to go.’” That kindness and sense of belonging sparked something in him, and he made the decision to return, hoping for a chance to start over.
At 25, Chris entered the Mary Isaak Center Shelter program, where he found the stability and support he desperately needed. It was there that he began his sobriety journey. During his 5-month stay, he started working at a screen-printing shop, an opportunity that would spark his passion and shape his career. After the shelter, Chris transitioned into COTS’ community housing program, first in Petaluma and then Cotati, where he lived for a couple of years.
Throughout his time in housing, Chris continued working at the screen-printing shop, moving from an entry-level position to production manager in five years. Eventually, with the retirement of his employer, Chris took a leap of faith. He bought his own screen-printing supplies and launched Clean Apparel, a recovery-focused clothing line in Santa Rosa. What started as a one-man operation soon grew, fulfilling orders from California to Florida to New York. For Chris, Clean Apparel is more than a business—it’s a way to give back and create a space where inclusivity and recovery are celebrated.
As he grew in his personal and professional life, Chris never lost sight of the struggles he had overcome. His experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and his sponsor kept him grounded in his sobriety, and three years into his recovery journey, he became a sponsor himself. He knew how vital community and support were in the process, and he wanted to offer others the same help that had been extended to him.
Now, eight years after first walking through the doors of COTS, Chris is about to celebrate 8 years of sobriety. He spends his days giving back to his community, continuing to sponsor others on their AA journeys, and promoting Clean Apparel. Looking toward the future, Chris is excited about the possibilities—travel, playing music, and most of all, reminding others to “reach out for help and go easy on yourself. Be kind to yourself.”
Through the support of COTS and his own unwavering commitment to change, Chris has gained a second chance at life. He is proof that with the right guidance, community, and resilience, anyone can overcome the darkest of struggles and build a life full of purpose and hope.