“Don’t give up. You might be on the cusp of an open door. God places us in these moments to turn to Him and learn from Him. Pray until something happens.” For me, that something was Place of Hope.
My childhood was dark and deceptive. On the surface, it looked normal. I had a mom, dad, and two siblings, we went to church and seemed like a normal family. However, our lives were radically different than they seemed. Violent, tumultuous, and filled with emotional and physical trauma. What we experienced as children is something no person should ever experience.
Eventually, I was placed into foster care along with my two siblings. For three years my siblings and I lived at Place of Hope.
It opened our eyes to a whole new perspective on family. It was stable, it was structured, and it was loving. Even better, my siblings and I were able to stay together. Eventually, my biological parents’ rights were terminated, and at 17 years old I was adopted.
Two years later, wanting to plant roots of my own, I moved into an apartment with my brother. I met a guy and thought we would have a life together and start a family.
At 22, I was about to be a new mom when we separated. Struggling to make ends meet as a single mom, I was facing the challenge of not being able to find safe and adequate housing.
I reached out to the one place where I knew I could find guidance, Place of Hope. After turning 18, my sister transitioned into Place of Hope’s program for aged-out foster youth, homeless youth, and single moms, called Villages of Hope. At 22 years old, I realized that was me – a nearly homeless single mom.
Thankfully, Villages of Hope had an opening for me. Not only did I have safe and stable housing, but affordable housing and an Independent Living program. This allowed me to begin to move past merely surviving, to a place with dignity and accountability where I could save money, learn how to be a great mom and thrive. Most importantly, I am able to prioritize time with my son. It is so critical to be there for him.
The life skills classes they offer helped me understand rent, savings, budgeting, and how to avoid debt. It opened my eyes to banking and the importance of keeping a good credit score. I now have a great job at a local financial institution where I can implement what I learned at Place of Hope and Villages of Hope and teach others.
I am excited to share I have an opportunity to purchase my first home through Habitat for Humanity. I submitted my application and am waiting to hear if I am approved. This is truly a dream, and I would not be here if it was not for Place of Hope. Everything about Place of Hope’s program and model, has prepared me for this great opportunity, and has shown me there is more to life and I am worthy and capable!
This is what you are a part of when you support Place of Hope! Thank you!