Meeting women where they are...
*All client names and photos are changed to protect the client’s privacy.
Meet Tonia
“She has a heart of gold.” This is how Matrie Johnson, Home of the Sparrow’s Director of Programs describes Tonia who came to HOS in 2008 with her little girl in tow. “I remember how much her daughter loved dressing up. I also remember how determined Tonia was to lead an independent life.” While working with HOS, Tonia went back to school to advance her career in healthcare while holding down three jobs. Her hard work paid off – she was able to purchase her own home in 2017. “I am so grateful for Home of the Sparrow. As a young parent, you taught me so much. From the strict budgeting to how to be a good parent myself. These were things that no one had taught me before.” Recently, Tonia has been paying it forward by allowing one of our former program participants to stay in her home rent free while she gets back on her feet. “I really want to help people and to give back.” This past year was a struggle for Tonia because she was laid off. But she says she was prepared to take on the challenge because of what she learned from HOS. “I can honestly say everything I learned from Home of the Sparrow prepared me for THIS year. When hard times hit, I was able to bounce back and take care of myself and my daughter.” Tonia has started two new jobs and continues to provide a stable home for her daughter. Matrie adds, “I LOVE the humanity that Tonia has shown, the sisterhood and support. She rarely reaches out to HOS for support, but always keeps in touch. I am so PROUD of the woman she has become.”
Meet Gail
“A remarkable women!” Ale Colin, an HOS program coordinator, has a lot of respect for Gail and her perseverance. “Ms. Gail has always been a hard worker and a responsible person and her dream of having her own home has never wavered despite chronic health issues and many setbacks.” When Gail came to HOS in 2019, her goal was to save money, pay off debts, and get on the waiting list for a senior subsidized housing voucher. “I had a good job at a pharmaceutical company. But when COVID hit, we were forced to close and eventually, I lost my job. I was just a few hours away from needing to live in my car.” HOS enrolled Gail in our Pre-Senior Bridge Housing Program and she moved into one of our units. Gail has a new part-time job doing data entry for a medical office and was approved for Social Security benefits. Her new income helps her balance her finances while she focuses on improving her health. Gail has reduced her debt, created substantial savings, and next month she will move into her own apartment utilizing the public senior housing program, thereby achieving her goal of financial and housing stability. “I’m very excited to have my own place and to invite friends over for dinner!” Gail expresses gratitude, for not only the services provided and skills learned during her time in the Pre-Senior Bridge Housing Program, but also for the respect she was given. “From the first phone call until now, I have always been treated with respect and kindness. I appreciate the way I was guided and supported while getting back on my feet. Everyone believed in me.”
Meet Allison
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