Chantil Remines: Taking Charge of Her Health & Confidencev

Chantil Remines has been part of Pathways’ Safe Haven program for two years as of April. In that time, she has made remarkable progress in her health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. In March, Chantil underwent corrective eye surgery at Callahan Eye Clinic to address a lazy eye, an issue that had affected her confidence for years. Just a few months earlier, in December, she had tendon surgery on her ankle to repair a torn ACL, and she has since been walking without pain.

For the last six months, Chantil has been under the care of Dr. LaCroix at the Whitaker Building and has been taking a medication called Mounjaro. In the first three months, she lost 50 pounds. Two months later, she lost an additional 24 pounds. Most recently, she dropped another 16 pounds, bringing her total weight loss to 90 pounds. This August, she will undergo another procedure to remove the underdeveloped nail matrices on her index fingers, a condition she has had since birth. This change will be permanent, and she sees it as one more step toward feeling comfortable and confident in her own skin.

“These are things I should have addressed a long time ago,” Chantil said. “My parents didn’t have concerns about them, but they’ve affected my self-esteem for years. Being here has made a big difference in my life, and I’m finally taking care of things that matter to me.”

Looking ahead, Chantil has clear goals.

“Being in the Safe Haven program has enabled me to save about $400 a month. I plan to be here for the next two or three years, and in that time, I’ll be able to achieve everything I want. Before coming here, I wasn’t stable on my medication and didn’t have someone who cared about me and my future. 

Now, I have a support system, a family, and a network that makes sure I get to my appointments and genuinely asks how I’m doing. While we may be facing homelessness, this is our home for now, and everything Pathways offers gives us the independence we need to prepare for the future.”

Chantil’s journey shows how stability, support, and care can empower someone to focus on their goals and build the life they envision.