Christine’s Story
A single mom and her three children began 2019 as guests in the Family Promise shelter program. She needed support and guidance as her oldest daughter had very low self-esteem, her middle child was diagnosed at an early age with autism, and her third child provided the sunshine and joy she needed on her most challenging days! As a single mom, she worked diligently with shelter staff to secure permanent and stable housing, apply for disability benefits for her son and learn solid parenting skills to deal with the day-to-day stresses of single parenthood.
“The kindness from staff was unexpected and totally appreciated. It changed my life. I will never forget them.”
In February of 2019, the family was accepted into the Rapid Re-housing program, which would provide them with rent assistance and case management services for one year. With the assistance from staff and a co-signer, she was able to secure a 3 bedroom apartment in Port Washington. She was required to pay 30% of her monthly income for rent, with Family Promise picking up the balance.
The family moved into their new home on April 1, 2019. Family Promise staff continued to meet with the family monthly to continue working on goals that had been established while in the shelter program. Her son was accepted into an in-home therapy program for his autism, the kids were able to get their health and dental care up to date, and her oldest flourished in school. She could indeed start feeling like a good mother again!
