Susan’s Story
Susan is a 41 year old single mother of two boys who both have special needs. When she applied to Bridge of Hope Centre County, Susan had not received child support in almost a year and had been paying her rent by borrowing money from family members and cashing in her children’s savings bonds. Susan’s life revolved around her boys and taking them to various doctor’s appointments which left her very little time to form any friendships for herself.
After being accepted into our program, Susan is now receiving rental assistance which helps to alleviate a tremendous amount of financial stress as well as lessens the emotional stress felt with the family members from whom she had to borrow money. Susan has also been matched with a mentor group which coincidentally comes from the same church Susan attends. Susan now has a connection with a group of people who she knows are there to support her and boys emotionally. This group also offers Susan a social outlet. Susan and the mentors are starting to form relationships. They are planning to go out for coffee, having Susan and her children to the mentors’ houses for dinner and organizing a group game night.
Susan also meets with weekly with our case manager to work on budgeting and setting goals towards financial sustainability. Through our program Susan has also been linked with other human service agencies such as Easter Seals to help further meet her family’s needs and Career Link to help in her career planning and job skills.
Nayr’s Story
Nayr’s life had hit a dead end. Despite a full-time job, she was stuck, living out of their car with no prospects of improvement save one: Bridge of Hope. Participation would require her to let down her guard and trust others, she knew. Would Nayr, who prided herself for her independence, be able to open up and accept help?
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