Linda Wilson has defied all odds. She was born to a mother who had developmental disabilities and a father who had constantly abused substances and had been incarcerated throughout Linda’s life. This has caused her to have many challenges of her own. However, she refused to make excuses for her life and continues to overcome her obstacles. At the age of ten, Linda was assisting her mother with paying bills, preparing meals, maintaining their apartment, taking care of her baby sister, and more. Child Protective Services reportedly intervened on several occasions due to frequent reports of neglect.
By the age of twelve, Linda’s grandparents (her angels) became aware of her living conditions and were awarded permanent guardianship. Because Linda spent so much of her childhood catering to the needs of her mother and sister, she was not performing at grade level in school and lacked critical social skills. She endured a multitude of tests to obtain the help and accommodations she needed to succeed academically.
Thanks to her grandparents (her angels) advocating for her, Linda was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Linda believes that if her mother had access to an agency like A Living Purpose, her mother would have been able to handle the responsibilities and challenges of life. Her mother loved her girls and would have done nothing to hurt them, but she had no one advocating for her, assisting her, or educating her about life skills. Linda continued to assist her mother and began developing a healthy relationship with her until her mother’s untimely passing. Linda hopes to develop a healthy relationship with her father.
Linda has over 20 years of experience in the field due to her own life experiences. She has worked with youth in foster care with an array of mental disorders, including developmental and physical disabilities. She has worked as a social worker for adults with various emotional disturbances and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Throughout the years, she has enjoyed volunteering as a mentor for the youth. She has also volunteered to assist adults with disabilities who struggle with substance abuse. Linda has completed a case management course at UCSD. Linda has also completed an entrepreneur business academy program, substance abuse training, CPI training, and more. She continues to go to workshops, training, and conferences so she can better assist others with needs. Personally, Linda enjoys spending time with family and friends, fine dining, and traveling. Linda is now the author of Disturbed, but not Destroyed.
Linda dedicates the A Living Purpose agency to her grandparents (her angels), because without their sacrifices, prayers, and teaching, she would not have had the courage to open her agency. May her grandparents (her angels) rest in peace.
