“I heard we were getting our own living space. I was very excited! We wouldn't be sharing with five other families any more. We moved in six months ago. Now we have our own living quarters and free time together—we come home, and it's just us. There aren't a lot of other kids screaming when it’s my kids' bedtime. We don't have to share a bathroom with so many people at washing-up time, and we don't have to worry about anyone stealing food or games. We're comfortable. It's home for us. The kids see it as theirs.
"They're very well adapted. For Danny, school is easier. If he wants to concentrate on his homework he can. We got the twins into Headstart right down the street. I'm taking better care of my children and myself.
"My case manager is always there when I need her. She comes twice a week or I can call her. Transportation has been a problem for me. The first week she took me to do my laundry. She helps with grocery shopping, picks up the kids or me if we're stuck."
Kelly did not complete high school. Severe dyslexia as well as physical problems requiring surgery had hampered her in working toward a GED. She nevertheless obtained certification as a nurse's assistant through BOCES, and now attends a fulltime program at a technical school in the neighborhood. Soon she will graduate, complete with cap and gown. She'll be certified as a medical assistant, phlebotomist and EKG technician, and will have earned her GED as well.
"I'm looking for permanent housing, that's the main goal.
But it's very good here. Being in this house, living in this
area has really helped me - a lot of things have come through
in the past six months. For the future, I see a lot of good
things for myself and the children." |
