Resident Story: One of Resilience, Hope, and Growth

The Virginia Women and Family Support Center (VAWFSC) is home to single, pregnant  moms who are or have been homeless. Many of our moms call our residencies home because of the endless support they receive from us and other members of our program. Week in and week out, each mom works hard to conquer homelessness and make a better living for them and their kids. Their resilience and growth inspire us each day, and is a reminder that anyone can achieve any hardship if they have enough hope and dedication.

One of our moms that portrays these traits is Jenny, who was living in a trailer home before getting evicted. She tried finding another place for her and her daughter to live, but they said no because she was a single mother with a child. Despite the rejection, she didn’t give up. She was determined to find the best living space she could for her daughter. Stumbling upon VAWFSC, she was immediately taken in and welcomed by our organization staff and other moms in our program. During her time at VAWFSC, she has been attending a variety of our classes each week, including our maternal health ones, while finishing up schooling and pursuing her CDL Class A truck driving license. 

When speaking about how VAWFSC has best helped her through her journey Jenny said “With the housing being rent free, the financial burden has been lifted off me and I can pay for my schooling”. Jenny aspires to start her own truck driving business, purchase a house for her and her daughter, and become financially stable in the future. The decisions she had to make for her kids were difficult at times, but she pushed through it because she is a mom that would do whatever it takes to keep them safe. With her resilience, hope for a better future, and growth, we have no doubt that she will reach her goals soon.

Summarizing her time at VAWFSC Jenny stated “I call this place home because when I had nowhere else to go, they [VAWFSC]  welcomed me with open arms”. Virginia Women and Family Support Center is an organization that gives every homeless woman and their children the opportunity to live comfortably while they try to get back on their feet. We are primarily funded by individual donors like you, and with your support, we can help more moms overcome homelessness. To help out, donate clothes, baby needs, kitchenware, and more to our StrongHer Generation thrift store, and as little as $20 a month through our Cycle Breaker program.