Meet Minyon
Minyon was born in Oklahoma and moved with her family to the Bay Area when she was 7 years old. She was raped repeatedly by her stepfather when she was a teenager. As a young adult, she became addicted to crack cocaine. Minyon’s health was at serious risk, and she was sleeping in alleys and eating out of trash cans. Minyon, who is living with HIV, diabetes and hepatitis C, has been using services at New Leaf for the past four years. She is very proud to have recently received her 6-year sobriety chip. Minyon says, “New Leaf is the best because they have all the types of services that people with HIV need. It’s very important that they stay open. It’s very, very important.”

“They've given me a lot of hope. And given me hope that there’s more to life than using and abusing yourself.” Currently, Minyon speaks to high school students about her experiences, as well as to future doctors so that they may become better prepared to serve future patients. Now in her mid-40’s, Minyon is happily involved in a relationship.