In first grade, Norman “Fuji” looked around and noticed no one else looked like him. He felt uncomfortable in his own skin, so he started using alcohol and marijuana at 14 and joined a gang at 16. When offered heroin, Fuji felt compelled to say yes and his life took a dramatic turn for the worse. He committed crimes to support his habit, and in 1995 received a 29 years to life prison sentence.

In prison, Fuji’s failed suicide attempt placed him in a mental health program, where he decided to honor his late-mother’s one wish – that he quit drugs. “Being able to take responsibility for my actions gave me a sense of freedom and happiness I never had before,” said Fuji. He decided to dedicate his life to the service of others.

With support from L.A. County’s Public Defender, Fuji was released early from prison. He received his high school diploma at age 47 and is certified as an alcohol & drug counselor and anger management facilitator. He works at Step Up as a Substance Abuse Specialist Service Coordinator. “We call Fuji the "client whisperer," says Emily James, Step Up VP of Programs, L.A. Region – East. “He builds rapport and relationships with a wide variety of people, successfully linking many of our members with treatment and recovery services.”

L.A. Works volunteers helping with our winter harvest of greens and herbs! Prepping kohlrabi and cabbage for our cooking program. Gratitude.