I met Phyllis at a time where I questioned where the trajectory of my life was headed. Due to Phyllis’ kindness, never-ending support and my involvement with the Straight Talk Program I am recently a proud graduate from California State University, Chico with my Master of Social Work degree with a focus in mental health. Furthermore, I was given the honor of graduating with distinction because of maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my time in the program and because of my recognized involvement with the School of Social Work at the University.

Phyllis came into my life in 2008 when I was struggling to make positive choices as a young adult; she immediately took me under her wing and began mentoring me both in my personal and professional life. Phyllis provided me with the opportunity to first serve as an administrative assistant to the program, at this time I completed a variety of office duties and attended community-based events alongside Phyllis representing the Straight Talk Program. At each workshop and speaking engagement, we attended together. I was in awe of the passion, professionalism and work ethic that Phyllis demonstrated and because of her these same characteristics I make sure are at the forefront of everything that I do. Additionally, through these experiences I had the opportunity to witness the impact that Phyllis and her program had on the lives of many individuals in situations like mine, her passion for serving others was beyond admirable and helped me to bring focus to what I wanted to do in my professional life. After sharing with Phyllis that I had an interest in social work, which she has an extensive background and knowledge in, she supported me by allowing me to provide needed services directly to clients of the Straight Talk Program. My participation with the Straight Talk Program and Phyllis serving as a mentor and friend at a time when she was most needed drastically changed my life. Phyllis has a passion for changing lives and does it a non-judgmental way she reminds others that mistakes cannot define an individual’s life and that through hard work and positivity anything is possible.

I am so thankful that Phyllis came into my life at the time that she did. She is a woman of wisdom with a spirit of giving that has changed many lives. Today Phyllis continues to encourage and motivate me to be the best version of myself and I continue to be grateful for her in my life.

-ShaRissa Grey, MSW

-Mentee