Betsy, a mother with two young children who came to the H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Mothers through Education) Program in the fall of 2017 to work towards her GED. Rain or shine, Betsy walked to school every day with her youngest child. She persisted and within 10 months passed all four GED exams to earn her high school credentials. Betsy has recently said that being a part of the H.O.M.E. Program was, “one of the best times of my life because it was the first time I really challenged and believed in myself.” She is currently a student at Goodwin College and works part time in our Kid’s Café program.
Farah, a refugee from Baghdad, who arrived in the United States with her 3- year old son, her 1-year old daughter, a lot of determination and little else. Farah began taking English classes at HOB’s Jubilee House ESOL Program (Clifford Street) and within her first year of study, she surpassed all expectations. Farah passed her driver’s test in English, got a part-time job, and decided to pursue higher education. Farah is now an assistant supervisor at her place of work and is attending Capital Community College.
Justin started coming to the House of Bread Soup Kitchen on Chestnut Street with his 9 year-old daughter this past summer. Over time, we found out that his wife had recently passed away and he was now a single father barely coping with his loss. In addition, he lost his apartment in Massachusetts and was now homeless. Some friends told him about the House of Bread. In a very short time, we were able to help get his daughter enrolled in school and in an after-school program. We also helped get him housing, then into a program for single fathers, and, finally, helped him get a job. “Justin” and his daughter are now on their way to a better future through the services provided through the House of Bread. Thankfully, he had friends who knew we could help him.