Ellen
When I came to Hope and a Home, I was just reentering society from being incarcerated. I had to find a place for my son and myself to live so we could reestablish our life together. Hope and a Home rented us a very lovely and affordable apartment where we could put our lives back together. It was a blessing that we were given an opportunity to have our own apartment and that Hope and a Home staff was there to guide us through the steps to succeed. Having a stable home has allowed me to work full time, to address my son's education issues, and to start a savings account toward buying our own home. I have grown from the day that I came in to Hope and a Home housing to today when I'm getting ready to fly out of this little nest! I have done a lot of work on myself since I've been at Hope and a Home and am purchasing my first home in May. Nothing is impossible with Hope and a Home if you just believe in yourself and know that you can achieve if you believe!
Nevada & Katrina
Since we have been at Hope and a Home, our lives have changed. Having our own place to live has given us peace. We are relaxed; we aren't stressed out looking for somewhere to stay. We have time to be a family now, to think about our future, to save up some money. Our girls have a place to play and run around. They have a sense of freedom. Now my husband and I have some space to think about what we want to do. I want to go back to school to study dramatic arts. Nevada is looking to go back to school or to start his own business. Hope and a Home has made me more determined than ever to make sure our kids get the best education possible. I always had that as a goal, but I didn't know how determined I am. Hope and a Home has showed me how to reach that goal for my girls.
Corrine and David
Hope and a Home has been a true blessing to me and my family. When I first started in the program, I was a single mother with three children, struggling to make ends meet. Because of the program, I learned to set a budget, and remove unnecessary expenses. I also learned about school options that I simply had no knowledge of. Now my children are in a better school. I also learned about various affordable housing programs and now I am happy to say, I have cleaned my credit and am on my way to purchasing my first home. Hope and a Home gave me a chance when no one else would. They gave my family and me the support and encouragement that we needed to make it to the next step. I will forever be grateful to Hope and a Home and its supporters.
Ebony
Hope and a Home has taught me to be responsible - to pay my rent and my bills on time. They have helped me keep Angel in a good school. The monthly workshops change you because of the different topics, such as home ownership, stress management, and career counseling. When I leave Hope and a Home, I want to continue into school and stay strong and responsible like I've learned to be here.
Wandra
Hope and a Home has really blessed my family with the rent being what I could afford. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to pay my rent each month. The Hope and a Home program has really enhanced me with teaching me a lot of skills that I didn't have when I came into the program. And they do great things with the kids. For example, they have a good network if a family doesn't know how to seek tutoring for their children. Any area that one may need help in, Hope and a Home finds out how to assist that family, and that's what they have done for me.
RaeShawn
Hope and a Home has really changed my world. I finally have a decent place for myself and my child. The staff at Hope and a Home is phenomenal. I talk to my Family Support Worker about everything, and she always give me good advice. Hope and a Home helped me get a scholarship so I could go back to college for my Associates degree in child development and pursue my dream to own my own child care center. Hope and a Home has steered me in the right direction. Without them, I don't think I'd be where I am today.
Erica, Endré, Eric, and Ebony
I came to Hope and a Home from living with my aunt to being with my husband; after we separated, it was very difficult because I had never lived on my own. At first I was kind of scared, but I had my three kids to help me out. Hope and a Home taught me how to grow up. It taught me how to train my kids up to have a better life than me. Hope and a Home got my kids in good schools and placed them with great mentors. I feel like my kids' mentors are part of my family. Endré's mentor has been with us for four years now and he's been in her wedding. My kids' grade average is about 3.3. Now I am focusing on myself, going to photography school trying to change my career. Being at Hope and a Home, I have matured a whole lot and my kids have matured.
Larry
My kids and I came to Hope and a Home from an emergency shelter. They were having a hard time in school and I needed a job. Hope and a Home gave me housing so I could get things stabilized. As soon as we moved into our apartment, they helped me get my kids into good schools. Now my kids are all on the honor roll at their schools and my son is on the National Honor Roll at his college. I have been in a good job for two years. Hope and a Home followed through on everything they said they would do for my family.
Terri and Benta
I have been Benta's mentor for five years. About seven months into our relationship, she said to me, "Are you leaving at the end of the year?" I told her, "No, you're stuck with me for life." She's now a freshman in college and we're still together, although what we have shared has changed over time. At first, I worked to open up her world, introducing her to new experiences. But in her senior year, she needed mentoring and tutoring to get her SAT scores up. By that time Benta had become part of my family; even my husband, who hadn't signed on as a mentor, ended up tutoring her in math. We miss her now that she's off at college, often commenting when we go to a movie, "It seems weird not to have Benta with us." We have so much fun together. She makes me laugh; she confides in me. I am grateful for the chance to be Benta's mentor, to meet her family, and now that she's grown, to remain her friend!
Alicia
My experience as a summer intern at Hope and a Home has been amazing. I greet visitors, fax, make copies, and make sure the mail goes out. I like to answer the phone and take referrals and tell people about Hope and a Home. I have learned a lot, especially how to use my time wisely. Everyone at Hope and a Home treats me with respect and I return that respect. I am only 15 years old but already I have had more experience than many of my friends. I feel like I am on the road to success!
Zelma
My daughter, Jessie, and I thank God for opening a door for us at Hope and a Home. I am so glad I heard about this program. I volunteer in Hope and a Home's office as often as I can, helping staff put together mailings and manuals for new families. I love people and I enjoy working. It makes me happy to do something for people who have given me so much.