Monica’s Story
Monica* came to Connections in the summer of 2022. She knew she needed a support system after her childrens’ father had just been incarcerated. Though they kept in touch, Monica began to question the health of her relationship with him. Monica shared that he wasn’t invested in his childrens’ lives, and he was not “kind to [her] emotionally or physically.” At the time, Monica was able to meet her housing needs, but sought out Connections to have a safe space; receive resume writing support and job application assistance; receive assistance locating resources for her children, one of whom has a disability; and to meet other women facing similar struggles. After her initial meeting with her case manager, Monica received referrals to The Phoenix Center, Partnership for Children, Greater Life of Fayetteville, Catholic Charities, and The School of Hope. Monica attended budgeting workshops where she learned zero-based budgeting and money management skills. She and her family also attended Connect to Fellowship and participated in the agency’s Christmas Giving program.
Monica and her children were thriving and she was meeting all her case management goals until December 2022. Monica’s children each came down with an illness requiring them to miss school. With no one to help her with childcare, Monica missed work to attend to her childrens’ needs. At the time, she was an hourly employee so her paycheck suffered with each day she called out. Monica contacted her case manager to inquire about financial assistance with December’s rent. Connections stepped in and paid a portion of Monica’s past due balance which allowed her and her children to remain housed and forgo eviction. Once everyone was well again, Monica returned to work and resumed caring for her household’s needs. During this time she utilized the agency’s hygiene and birthday closets to provide basic hygiene products and birthday toys to her children, and she spent time the agency’s computer lab applying for school and additional jobs. With her children back in school and connected to after school programs, Monica has returned not only to work but also school. She is actively working on getting an associates degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College so she can apply to jobs that better meet her family’s financial needs.
When asked about her work with Connections, Monica shared the following:“I would just like to say how grateful I am for all the positive changes Connections has helped me make in my life. Many places will help you financially and send you on your way but Connections helps you continuously. We received not only financial assistance when my children and I were facing homelessness but financial counseling, fellowship, empowerment gatherings, and even assistance with Christmas! The staff are truly understanding and compassionate. My kids call it ‘the family place’ because each time we go, they’re greeted with warm smiles and open hearts. No judgment is ever passed, just reassurance and referrals to whatever it is that we need. I will forever be grateful for all that Connections has done for my family and I.”
Many places will help you financially and send you on your way but Connections helps you continuously. We received not only financial assistance when my children and I were facing homelessness but financial counseling, fellowship, empowerment gatherings, and even assistance with Christmas! The staff are truly understanding and compassionate.
– Single Mother of 4 –
Monica
Stories like Monica’s are made possible by the many generous donors who gave to our Home Sweet Home Campaign. To learn more about Home Sweet Home, visit our campaign webpage. We hope you will consider supporting Home Sweet Home and the many women and children who will benefit from your giving. Our goal in 2023 is to have 23 families sponsored. Join us in making home sweet home for the women and children we serve!
*Name changed to ensure client privacy and to honor HIPAA.
