I’m really thrilled to share an article that appeared in the New London Day highlighting the efforts of Jennifer Donahue and Adrian Jones from our Supportive Housing Program.
One of the things I enjoy about virtual meetings is the ability to connect. Yes, in person is so much better, but when you have a captive audience you just have to go for it.
During the supportive housing meeting, the team discussed a client who was living in a tent for almost 2 years. There was even a time when her tent leaked in a storm and Adrian ran to the rescue on a Friday afternoon to replace it. During the winter, she would get heat via a gas stove and had to endure breathing issues from the fumes. I also heard about outstanding efforts that resulted in getting this client her own apartment.
As Jen and Adrian moved her through the housing voucher process, they secured everything she needed, including donated furniture from Max in Fiscal, thank you Max! This really was an inspiring story that needed to be told, especially during a pandemic. I thought with so much pain in the news, a reporter would love this story and I’m grateful that we could pull this off considering it needed to take place virtually. It also highlights the fact that the agency is still out there providing to help the folks we serve.
Before the interview, I had the opportunity to speak privately with the client so trust could be developed. We discussed her story and how she could inspire others by communicating hope, trust and what happens when you embrace help from others.
The interview went really well, and I think on some levels telling her story with humility, lots of tears and gratitude left us all feeling hopeful that healing is starting to take place for this young lady.
I asked Jen for some history about this young lady. Below is my favorite part in Jen’s own words.
Once the move was completed and all the furniture inside, we sat and spoke about the day and how different she already felt. She expressed that she felt unbelievable joy to be in her new home and was excited to make it her own. I sent her one last text before I began driving away. Her response to the text was “Thank you so so much. I am so happy and excited to start this whole new life!! Thank you for being here today and yesterday! It means a lot I appreciate you guys so much.”!
Since the move on Friday May 1st, myself and Adrian have continued to remain in contact with HC and the plan moving forward is to continue to stay engaged, support her, and help her maintain her housing. She has continued to express gratitude and joy for her new beginning. And we are eager and excited to be a part of her journey.
To Be Continued….
Clearly, we are living through a transformative time, but people still need us, it does not stop.
I have been moved by the stories and actions of people at this agency; real humanity is on display everywhere you look. Thank you Adrian and Jen, and everyone that has a story that needs to be told, I’m honored to serve with you!
Don’t forget to check out the article link below
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