After losing my husband, my son and I lost our apartment, our car, and my job. For seven years my son, Sebastian and I shared one room together. It was really hard. I felt like I failed as a mom to provide for him.
Early 2023, I learned about a program at Place of Hope for homeless youth and families in crisis.
Immediately I felt safe, and like I had found a family. Place of Hope has helped me tremendously. It is not only affordable housing, but also it is a family – people on the staff who truly care.
Sebastian has his own room now. We have a beautiful place to call home that I can afford but also has all the life skills and independent living programming I needed to understand how to budget, save, pay off debt and raise my credit score. I have the confidence to do well at work, earning employee of the month.
Since I am not living in survival mode anymore, I can also focus on furthering my education. I am proud to share I graduated May 2025 from Palm Beach State College with my AS in Hospitality Management and Tourism! I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and plan to continue my education while working in the hospitality industry.
I owe so much to the team and staff at Place of Hope. They have shown me the right steps, helped provide resources and encouragement so I could become an independent and thriving single mom.
Sebastian has also benefited from the structure, friends and family we have cultivated while at Place of Hope. He is so bright and engaged in school, the performing arts and church. Our future is bright thanks to Place of Hope!