A Path to Sobriety and Community: Imad’s Story

Imad––a Moroccan immigrant born in Casablanca––is one of 6 children, speaks 4 languages, and traveled to the United States as an international student to study graphic design at a university in central Oklahoma. There he played as a goalie on the college soccer team, helping to win two back-to-back state championships. Later, he transferred to a school in Miami and, by the time he graduated with an Associate’s degree, he was broke and addicted to cocaine. 

He traveled home to Morocco to escape the environment and became sober by quitting cold turkey. Newly sober he returned to the States in 2015, landing in San Francisco and finding work soon after. On his own and without support, mental health issues emerged alongside substance abuse. He searched for months for a shelter placement, but no beds were available, forcing him to live on the streets. He eventually found transitional housing, and in 2023 was referred to the California Clubhouse by a psychiatrist. 

“When I became homeless, family and friends stopped talking to me. I was lonely, by myself, and bored. The Clubhouse helped me interact with people and gave me people to talk to.” 

Now Imad engages in activities like cooking in our Hospitality Unit and attends socials, such as a mini-golf outing with other Members. El Camino House is where he lives in transitional housing. “Other residents have said it was good to see me taking charge and that the meal (prepared at the Clubhouse) was good!” He’s also worked at tabling events, representing the Clubhouse community at the Navigation Center.

Imad is sober now and attends the Clubhouse daily. He’s working on self-esteem and wants more responsibility. While previously working part-time for Door-Dash and Lyft, he hopes to find a professional job with benefits. Our community continues to offer the work opportunities and support Imad has needed to stay on track with mental health and sobriety goals. 

“The Clubhouse has helped me keep busy and gives me others to interact with. Members are asked their opinions and get involved. It has helped me to reintegrate into the community and to feel like I have a voice.”