It’s hard to believe that Vanessa Rojas once feared she would die from her addiction. Today, her life is full of intention and purpose: She’s pursuing a degree in law, public policy, and society, works full-time as FAMM’s Family Outreach Coordinator, and cares for her special needs daughter, her aging mother, and her grandkids — all while advocating justice and fair chances for others.
Vanessa’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, integrity, and advocacy. She struggled with a 30-year addiction that began after a traumatic childhood event. By age 11, she was using drugs. Years of incarceration, treatment centers, and instability eventually led to an 80-month federal prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
While incarcerated, Vanessa got sober and faced the truth: Her three adult children were battling serious health conditions, and her elderly mother could no longer care for her youngest, who has special needs. Determined to return home and rebuild her life, she petitioned for compassionate release during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vanessa’s path to freedom began with a letter to FAMM. Through the Compassionate Release Clearinghouse, FAMM connected her with the Federal Defenders of San Diego. The defenders argued for Vanessa’s release under the First Step Act. While the Court did not find her health concerns alone compelling, it recognized her family circumstances as extraordinary. In 2021, Vanessa was released.
“The first thing I did was hug my daughter and my mom,” Vanessa says. “I thanked God I was free.”
In freedom, she refuses to give up the fight for justice and real change. In 2023, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with judges and lawyers and speak out about sexual abuse in prison and the urgent need to improve conditions for the safety of incarcerated people and staff.
Vanessa is especially grateful to the people who supported her fight for a second chance. “They just believed in me,” she says. “We need more people who believe in giving us a chance.”
This past Mother’s Day, Vanessa returned to the same detention center where she had been in custody many times before, but this time she came back to speak to the women inside and offer them hope.
Today, she continues to fight for the freedom and dignity of those still behind bars, working to build a future where no one is defined by their worst mistake. Vanessa is committed to being a strong example for her adult children and grandchildren by showing them the power of resilience, the value of dignity, and the importance of speaking up for what is right. She often says, “Resilience is not about never falling, but about rising every time and choosing to stand for justice no matter the cost.”