Beauty pageant

In the hallway of Walden House, pageant contestants learn to wave like the “Queen.” “All they’ve ever been is shut down in their lives, and now they have this chance to verbally emote,” said Joe Loya, a senior staffer who works at several of the Walden facilities throughout the state.  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

One of the many contestants in the Miss Independence Day Pageant is photographed by Mandalit del Borco. There were few vestiges of a traditional beauty pageant. Not everyone dressed up. Some of the contestants read their essays in baggy chinos or tight capris.  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Carri Vizcarra sings during the talent portion of the Miss Independence Day Pageant. Whatever hesitancy the contestants had as they started to lip-sync, recite, dance,or sing melted in a crowded room filled with supporters cheering, whistling and eagerly singing along when they felt moved to do so.  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Audience members watch the pageant. In the emotionally intense community of Walden House — where the women attend workshops and meetings, refer to their housemates as “family” and grapple with substance abuse problems, forsaken children and how to get a job — the pageant is another avenue to express themselves  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Staff and clients cheer for the contestants. In a treatment facility where tears and anger and angst are the rule of the day, a beauty pageant is an opportunity to let self-esteem flourish.  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Nancy Sherman, a would-be Billie Holiday, blew kisses to the audience after receiving the first runner-up crown from Jaren Francis.  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Darlene Escalante, 25, reacts after she’s announced as the pageant winner. “I want to thank Tracy, my roommate, because it was her idea,” she said as she launched into several thank-yous, including one for her cousin, who was also in the show. “I’m so shocked!”  (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)