Chabree's Story
Meet Chabree, one of our participants. Her story is one of sobriety, steady work, a home of her own, and finding purpose with the horses.
What doing hard things means to me.
In her own voice, Chabree reflects on sobriety, family, ranch life, and the future she is working toward.
“Doing hard things means choosing to keep going, believing my past does not define my future, and reaching for the life I want.”
To me, doing hard things means keeping going and continuing to work on the person I want to be. I’m proud of my sobriety and how much more confident I feel. I still have goals I’m reaching for, and I want my kids to see me keep trying, even when it isn’t easy.
I grew up on a ranch, so being around horses, livestock, and ranch work feels like home. I can share something I know and love by helping with the horses and the equestrian program and by working with Romeo. I like being part of a crew where everybody puts in and looks out for one another.
I care about people and want to help when I can. I’m learning that I have to take care of myself along the way, too. Sometimes I’ll joke through a hard day; sometimes I’ll tear up when I’m talking about something close to my heart. I’m still growing, but I feel proud of the life I’m building and what I bring to the table.
She kept showing up and kept building.
I first met Chabree when she was in jail. For more than two years, I’ve had the privilege of watching her work toward a different future, one hard step at a time. After jail, she moved into sober living, kept showing up for the commitments in front of her, and continued working toward stability. She found a job with High Valley Transit and a place of her own in workforce housing. Those milestones came from her determination and the work she put in day after day.
She is saving for a car now, setting another goal and steadily working toward more independence.
When I first knew her, Chabree was quiet and unsure of herself. I’ve watched her become a more confident woman who keeps working on herself, her family, her job, and whatever the day asks of her. She is smart, funny, and deeply caring. She can have us laughing one minute and tear up the next when she talks about something close to her heart. There’s a little good old girl ranch talk in her, and a strong “we all pitch in” way of looking at life.
Chabree is a loving mother who wants to be present for her children and show them what it looks like to keep growing. She has worked hard to strengthen family relationships, set boundaries, and make room for the future she wants. She also has a generous heart. When I call to ask if she needs help, she often asks how she can help me.
I still smile when I think about the notes she left on the Do Hard Things office blackboard when I wasn’t there: “I Do Hard Things” and a heart. I wanted her to know I believed in her; those notes reminded me that our encouragement goes both ways. Chabree often tells me she couldn’t have done it without me. I remind her that she did the hard work herself. I encouraged her and believed in her, but she was the one who kept showing up, made the difficult choices, and built the life she wanted.
Her ranch roots and natural connection with animals are a special part of who she is. She has helped care for horses and support the equestrian program, including working with Romeo. I can imagine her leading in this program one day. I encourage her to reach for her dreams, and I’m proud of her sobriety, her growing confidence, and the way she keeps showing up for her children, her work, and other people.
Chabree is an inspiration, not because her life is finished or every day is easy, but because she keeps moving toward the life she wants and has so much to offer along the way.
A few moments from the equestrian program.
Chabree brings her ranch roots and care for animals to the Do Hard Things equestrian program.
An older photo of Chabree riding at the ranch.
Watch Chabree working with Romeo in the Do Hard Things equestrian program.
Her next chapter is still unfolding. We are proud to share the work, confidence, and hope she brings to the Do Hard Things community.