Francheska’s Story
One of the organizations that we work closely with is The mission of Joseph’s House in Camden. In the past few years Mary Anne has received many calls from this wonderful organization. When a pregnant woman walks through their doors they call The Helpers!
Their mission is “to work collaboratively with others to aid our homeless brothers and sisters by offering a continuum of services including emergency shelter and access to supportive housing and comprehensive social services.” This is a mission we get behind.
On way day in June of 2017, the mission called us regarding a 25 year old woman named Francheska, who was pregnant with her fifth child. Francheska’s mother was raising three of her children and her sister-in-law had adopted one. When Francheska met with Mary Anne she indicated that she wanted to retain custody of this baby and was willing to work hard to achieve that. She was already registered for parenting classes and counseling but needed help with transportation to all of her appointments and devising a life plan.
In August, she moved into a women’s shelter utilizing her Transitional Rental Assistance (TRA), a program through Welfare that pays rent for one year. Mary Anne introduced her to Helper Nancy, a realtor, who took her to see many apartments, but none seemed to work. After her year in the shelter Francheska moved in with friends and we continued to help and support her. Baby Luda-Chris was born on October 9, 2017 and weighed a healthy 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
Helpers provided Francheska and her children with a Thanksgiving basket, Christmas presents, coats, sneakers, clothes, books and toys. She, in turn helped us organize our storage facility and continues to volunteer with us. She and two of her children attended our event at The Kove last year. Francheska is truly part of our Helper Family now!
A year after the baby’s birth, she was approved for HUD housing, but then needed to come up with a $1,100.00 security deposit. Helpers again lended a hand to Francheska who had been working very hard over the last year to change her life around. We believed she deserved this. We were able to pay this deposit for her because of you, our generous donors!
When she finally moved into her own place we furnished her two bedroom townhouse with everything she needed. By Luda-Chris’s first birthday she was able to have all of her children with them for a first birthday party celebration in her home!
Francheska is currently working on her GED and looking for a job. She continues to move forward and improve her life and the lives of her children. We are so very proud of her!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11
