From Despair to Hope

Just before summer last year, single mom Trudy was struggling to support herself and her three children. And then, the unthinkable happened…the family suffered a devastating blow when 8-year-old Anna was diagnosed with cancer. This crisis proved too much for Trudy's already shaky circumstances. Anna’s medical appointments and hospitalizations forced Trudy to miss work and lose her job. Without a job and medical bills piling up, Trudy soon lost the family’s apartment. At first they were able to stay with family members, but Trudy’s past generosity to others was not reciprocated for long. In desperation, Trudy turned to Catholic Charities' Holy Family Shelter.

Soon after arriving at the shelter, Trudy met with a case manager who helped her create a resume and provided several job leads. Anna continued her medical treatments and although chemotherapy often made her sick, she attended school as much as possible. The individualized tutoring she and her older siblings received at the shelter helped them all keep their grades up during this difficult time.

Within ten days, Trudy found a job with hours that accommodated Anna's treatments. With employment secured, Trudy’s case manager then helped her begin the intense application process required for Trudy and her family to move into Holy Family's Transitional Housing program. One month after they entered the shelter, Trudy and her family were moving into their own apartment in Fountain Square where they can live for up to two years. United Way funding helps significantly subsidize the family’s rent so they can save more for the future.

Transitional Housing has provided a fresh start for Trudy and her family. During weekly meetings with her case manager, Trudy continues to work on budgeting and debt management strategies. More importantly, she has somewhere to turn when the challenges of being a single mother begin to weigh her down. Trudy is regaining confidence in her ability to successfully support her family. Her despair has turned to hope for their future.