HEARTH gives moms a safe place to find joy and invest in themselves 

“I love that my kids and I have this life and the freedom we have.” A few years ago, Jen was working hard to maintain stability in her home while facing challenges in an abusive relationship. As a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she has a background in understanding and supporting others but needed time to recognize the importance of seeking support for herself. Eventually, things got worse – Jen’s husband broke her wrist.  “For me, the biggest challenge was my own emotions and fear of being alone. Will I be able to provide for my kids? What’s going to happen next? … It’s a scary decision to make.” Jen reached out to HEARTH and was able to move her family into a safe housing space that provides support and community with others. 

“HEARTH allowed me to move into a life of freedom, autonomy and safety. The whole time I was there I felt incredibly supported. I was able to make ends meet using the food pantry and HEARTH store for basic needs.” 

 With the support of the staff and volunteers, Jen worked to plan for her future. She secured full-time employment and found an apartment for herself and her two children. “I walk into my apartment and there is nothing like walking into safety.” Jen’s children were young when they arrived at HEARTH and told her that they “really loved it there, mom. It was a good home.” While at HEARTH, Jen started working on her master’s degree in counseling psychology and she recently accepted a job as a school-based therapist, allowing her more flexibility as a single mom. Her next goal is to become a licensed therapist. “I’ve learned so much as I’ve walked in my own journey about how much hope there still is, even in hard times.” Her children have also flourished; people often tell Jen that they would never have known what the family has been through. “It’s been hard. It’s not like your trauma just goes away. But now I have more joy. I never felt like I could dream about the future. Now I’m excited about the future”. United Way’s support of HEARTH helped her secure a safe home, basic needs and supportive services so that now, on her own, Jen and her children have a bright future.