When I first met my Family Peer Coach (FPC) and Social Worker, I was living in my car with my six children. I was fearful and overwhelmed, hesitant to accept the resources they offered. As I described my past experiences with shelters, I broke down in tears – especially when I thought about Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, where I felt humiliated before. My experience there had been so painful that I swore I would rather keep sleeping in my car than go through it again.
My FPC listened attentively, allowing me to vent and cry without judgement. She reassured me that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness and shared her own experiences to show me that hardships can be hard to overcome. She reminded me that sometimes, people meant to help are struggling themselves, and their unkindness didn’t define my worth or determine my future.
By Thursday, my FPC had helped me reframe my fear, teaching me strategies for dealing with difficult people and promising to stand by my side every step of the way. Early the next morning, we arrived at Virginia Williams together. I clung to her hand, shaking with nerves, but I pushed forward. As we waited, I opened up about my life, sharing stories I had never expressed before. With her support, I was facing one of my greatest fears.
That visit changed everything. I was approved for temporary shelter through Virginia Williams, giving my children and me a safe place to stay.
On October 2, 2024, I signed the lease on a five-bedroom apartment – a home where my children and I could build a new future. My Social Worker, who had known me for a long time, admitted she had never seen me open up to anyone the way I had with my FPC. With unwavering support and guidance, I overcame my fear, took control of my future, and created a stable home for my family.
Today, my children and I are happy, looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.
