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Housing Authority honors Family Self‑Sufficiency graduate who overcame homelessness
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Summary
The Napa City Housing Authority presented a certificate April 7 to Gretel Galvan, a graduate of its Family Self‑Sufficiency (FSS) program who described recovery from addiction and career progress to a substance-abuse counselor role while outlining plans for further education and homeownership.
The Napa City Housing Authority on April 7 honored a graduate of its Family Self‑Sufficiency (FSS) program, celebrating her recovery, employment progress and future goals.
Casey Lyons, housing supervisor, introduced the voluntary FSS initiative and said it helps participants set individualized employment, education and financial goals while building escrow savings as incomes rise. Lyons described the program as supporting residents toward “economic independence and long term stability,” and invited the graduate to speak.
Gretel Galvan, introduced by Lyons as an FSS graduate, told the board she had experienced addiction and homelessness earlier in life. She said she initially worked at Taco Bell, later held positions with Catholic Charities and Abode, and now is employed as a substance‑abuse counselor at the Vacaville facility. Galvan credited a caseworker named Chardonnay with keeping her on track and said the program helped her secure stable employment and complete a college degree. She told the board her goals for the next five years include buying a house and earning a master’s degree in social work.
After Galvan’s remarks the board and staff invited family and support persons forward for photographs as Chair Sitchley presented a certificate of completion. No questions or policy actions followed the presentation; the segment was limited to recognition and brief personal testimony.
The housing authority then moved on to its routine agenda items and approved consent matters by formal vote.
