Success Stories of
Some of Our Shelter Residents
Please note: Names used in these stories are fictitious
to protect privacy. Photos shown are models
and not the actual persons.
 Melody: A Success Story
Melody came to the
Shelter because her husband was taken to jail and she was left alone with three
children. Grateful for a place to stay and a place to obtain child-care, Melody
was able to study Computer Software at the Career Training Center next door to
the Shelter. After her training, she was able to get a job in a local social
service agency and has been promoted to Office Manager. She has recently been
able to secure permanent housing in one of the new housing developments which
the City of San Jose has built. Melody is well on her way to being
self-sufficient.
 Jonathan: A Young Father
After Jonathan's wife became ill,
she was no longer able to care for their one year-old. Jonathan was employed as
a teacher in a day-care center and he and his wife were renting a room in a
house with another couple. After his wife's illness, he relied on his friends to
care for the baby while he was at work.
The situation put a
strain on his friends and his finances and Jonathan's family lost their place to
live. When they came to the Shelter they had been living out of their small car
for two weeks. During their stay at the Shelter, Jonathan's wife was treated by
a visiting physician who found that her illness could be controlled medically.
Eventually she was able to care for the baby on her own and Jonathan was able to
work longer hours to save money for a new place to live.
 Lilly
Jones: A True Inspiration
Lilly Jones and her two children
Robert and Julie lived in the shelter for one month earlier this year. Lilly is
very hardworking and maintained focused on her goals while living at San Jose
Family Shelter. During that time she found a job and secured an apartment. Lilly
paid her first month’s rent and we assisted her with the deposit. Lilly and her
children continue to live in permanent housing. After leaving the shelter Lilly
participated in our AfterCare Program, where she continued to be a success. Her
son Robert had an opportunity to attend summer camp through our program. Lilly
has reported that he had a wonderful time. Lilly is a very dedicated person.
Over the last 6 months she was laid off from her job, however this did not
damage her spirit one bit, Lilly quickly found another job. This job however,
was temporary. While she worked Lilly continued to pursue permanent employment
and once again she was successful and will begin a full time job just after the
Thanksgiving Holiday. We feel that Lilly is a true inspiration and we wish her
much luck in her future!
 The
Walkers: Homeless to Homeowners
A mother, a dad and
four children came to the Shelter after a number of misfortunes. Because of the
available child-care, the mother got a job and the skilled dad was able to find
some work as a casual laborer.
There was a
substance abuse problem which was addressed in classes at the Shelter. After a
number of months, the Walkers were able to purchase a house out of the area and
the dad was able to fix-up the house for the family to use. The down payment for
the house was assembled with the assistance of the case managers. Mr. Walker has
returned to do some volunteer work at Family Supportive Housing. Imagine:
Going from emergency shelter to owning your own home!
 Jose
& Lupe: Hardworking Parents
Jose and Lupe came to the San
Jose Family Shelter from southern California. They knew a few people in the
area, but otherwise they had no other resources. With family far away in Central
America and limited English skills, they had hard work ahead of them. Within
five days of their arrival here at the Shelter, he had secured his first job at
a local restaurant. She got her children enrolled in Voyager Daycare and in the
San Jose Unified School District. After a few weeks she also found a job at a
nonprofit agency that helps families in need.
They began saving money so that
they could move into permanent housing as soon as possible. Within six weeks he
had found a second job at a clothing store. Now he works at least one job every
day and most days he goes to both jobs. She takes care of the children, works,
and is preparing for the birth of their third child. This growing family will
soon move into an apartment in San Jose. They have worked so hard during their
stay here that they will undoubtedly succeed in maintaining their permanent
housing.
 David
& Jessica: Celebrate Their Success!
David and Jessica lived in the shelter for 3
months, with their two children. During that time Jessica found employment and
David went to school for his GED. Due to the family’s success and commitment to
their goals they were accepted into the GlennArt Arms Transitional Housing
Program. Since that time, David received his GED, started attending a technical
school and works part-time. Jessica continues to do well at her job and has
plans to go to school in the future. Over the summer their son Joseph attended
summer camp, Joseph had such a great time he did not want to come home. We are
very proud of all that this family has accomplished and know they will continue
to be a success! |
