When Donna* came to Laurel House's shelter she had four children and was pregnant with her fifth child, we did not know how should would make it. However, she quickly amazed us with the way she managed her children, the stress associated with living in a shelter, and being 8 1/2 months pregnant. Being the sole caretaker for her children she had to take all of them with her for all her appointments, including looking for housing.

Donna quickly learned that she was not able to afford housing on her own and at that time our Transitional Housing Bridge program did not have any openings for a large family. As a result, when she neared her 30 days in the shelter, she was forced to find space at another shelter. However, even after leaving Laurel House, she maintained contact with staff as she continued to search for affordable housing. About six weeks later, a unit in our Bridge program became available and all the staff knew that Donna and her family were the perfect match!

One of the requirements of the Bridge program is that the women obtain employment, so when the baby was old enough to start daycare, Donna began her job search. She quickly obtained a job, but childcare and after school care were difficult to find at one location. So, as a result Donna had to walk six blocks from home to the first daycare, another five blocks to the second daycare and then back pass her home to her job every morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday. This was Donna's daily routine for almost a year until she was able to get all the children enrolled at the same daycare program.

We all marvel at her determination to improve her life and to maintain a stable home for her children. The older children are in high school now, they still live in the same house and she often walks to and from work.

We are so proud of Donna!

*Client's name has been changed to preserve confidentiality

READ MORE STORIES