The Gaskin Family's Story, Cottage Avenue Community clients
Janet's Story, Sarah's Hope client
Veronica's Story, Learn to Earn at St. Ambrose client
Edward's Story, Frederick Ozanam House client
Jessica's Story, Learn to Earn at St. Ambrose client
“I feel like my purpose is to serve the community that has served me.”
Jessica Jordan has faced many family struggles in her life. She moved around from school to school, and recently moved to Baltimore just before graduating from high school. She was still determined to make something of her life. She enrolled in the GED program of Learn to Earn at St. Ambrose, where she obtained her GED and enrolled at Coppin State University.
“The staff at St. Ambrose will always hold a special place in my heart,” Jessica says. “They were warm and embracing and they went above and beyond to make sure that I succeeded.” Jessica is now entering into her senior year at Coppin State. She holds a 3.2 GPA, participates in school plays, is in a sorority and a member of the history club. But more important are the plans that she has for her future. “I hope to one day run my own non-profit organization,” Jessica says. “I feel like my purpose is to serve the community that has served me.”
Barbara's Story, Sarah’s Hope client
“They showed me what I could do to help myself.”
“Mommy, I’m scared,” was the cry that told “Barbara” she had to get help. Her son “Mikey”, then only 9 years old, was frightened of the life they were living as a homeless family. They needed a safe place to stay--a place where her son was not afraid while she worked to get their lives back on track.
Barbara never expected to be homeless. She was raised in a middle class family, the youngest of six children. She was married, had a home and a family, and had always been taken care of. But a few years ago her life started to change. Loss after loss, starting with the death of her twin brother, the breakup of her marriage, and the loss of both parents gradually shattered her network of emotional and financial support.
After caring for an ailing mother for a year before her passing, Barbara found herself out of work and homeless. Barbara found her way to Sarah’s Hope after family members turned her away because of her increasing dependence on alcohol. She didn't want a handout. She needed help figuring out what to do next, getting mental health and substance abuse treatment, and learning to be a parent who could make her family’s life whole again.
“Sarah’s Hope was our foundation for building a new life,” said Barbara. “They didn’t give me things,” Barbara continued. “They showed me what I could do to help myself. They helped me learn how to take care of my family. They didn’t do it for me. I’ve now been sober for 17 months, I have my driver’s license back, and I’m working. We’re living in our own apartment, and we don’t ever want to go back to being homeless. But it’s good to know Sarah’s Hope is there for people who need it.”
While at Sarah’s Hope, Mikey attended Camp St. Vincent, another program of St. Vincent de Paul, where recreational, cultural, and educational activities are provided by a professional staff, with a special focus on the needs of homeless children. Barbara was connected to mental health support to treat her depression and ensure access to her medication. She also started a 12-step program, and has now maintained her sobriety for over a year. Finally, Sarah’s Hope staff helped Barbara and Mikey find permanent stable housing, and continue to contact the family to help ensure their long-term stability.
