A Profile of Success.

Adversity has been a constant for Baltimore native Tierricka Sims. She grew up in a tough neighborhood off North Avenue and dropped out of high school early on. Her first job was at McDonalds, but it didn’t last long. After that she supported herself with a variety of low-wage, dead-end jobs. After an arrest for petty crime, Tierricka’s probation officer referred her to Next Course, our food service training program. She was dubious, but ready to change the path of her life, so she applied for the 12-week certification program.

Each Next Course cohort begins with an intense week of instruction. Sometimes students get overwhelmed and drop out, but this was the challenge that Tierricka had been waiting for. With support from Monique Jordan, our Training Chef, she pushed through and emerged a star student.

At her graduation, Tierricka was offered the opportunity to interview with several large, established employers, but after further counseling with her career development specialist, she decided to first earn her GED – a choice that will pay future dividends.

Beyonce’s Story

Before coming to Sarah’s Hope, Beyonce says her life was a “rollercoaster.” She spent much of her early life in the foster care system. Four years ago when she was 17 years old, she had her daughter Mikki, which lead her to dropping out of school.

Beyonce’s Story

Bernard’s Story

Bernard's struggle with housing insecurity began when he lost his welding job after 35 years due to vision loss. He found it difficult to find trustworthy people and support until he came to Beans & Bread. "I love the people here. They helped me get off the street. That was a blessing."

Bernard’s Story

Carroll’s Story

Carroll struggled with addiction and endured chronic homelessness for years. In the winter of 1992, he came to Beans & Bread for a hot meal. Since then, Carroll has received help obtaining identification cards, clothing, bus passes, as well as a referral to the recovery program that helped him get sober.

Carroll’s Story

Tonya’s Story

After a sudden eviction, Tonya moved into a West Baltimore bedroom where she endured bad living conditions for six years. "I didn't realize I was depressed because of the housing situation. I could only focus on keeping a roof over my head."

Tonya’s Story

Kailha’s Story

To meet 21-year-old Kailha, you wouldn't guess the difficulties she has faced in her young life.

Kailha’s Story

Debby’s Devotion

It is clear that the only thing to rival Debby's dedication, compassion, and kindness is the positive impact she makes on the many lives she touches.

Debby’s Devotion

Shuntiya’s Story

Chronic homelessness is enough to depress even the most exuberant soul. Which is how anyone would describe Shuntiya Sharief.

Shuntiya’s Story

Dennis’s Story

An energetic and passionate volunteer, who has helped so many of those in need.

Dennis’s Story

Sharon’s Story

When Sharon Newman first came to us in 2009, she had endured years of substance abuse and was chronically homeless.

Sharon’s Story

Shay’s Story

When Shay first walked through our doors, she wasn’t just hungry, she was empty. Not only did she not have enough to eat, she had no one to count on.

Shay’s Story