May 12, 2008

Dear Friend

When Maria and her daughter, Camila arrived at Providence House in September 2007 they were in immediate need of shelter. Suddenly, due to domestic problems, Maria found herself without a place to stay. Uppermost in her mind was her daughter’s welfare and future. Maria was determined to succeed and get her life back on track. She wanted to be the best mother she possibly could be to Camila.

“Providence House has been like an angel and a family for my daughter and me,” she states with evident gratitude. She goes on to express how Providence House has unconditionally helped her get back on her feet. When they first arrived at Providence House, they were naturally anxious about being in new and unfamiliar surroundings. How would they be looked upon by the other residents? How could this happen to them? How could she move on back to independence and create a stable home for Camila?

During their stay they had the opportunity to share life with a “core community” of religious Sisters who also live at the residence. They shared evening meals with the Sisters and other residents, learning the value of community. The Sisters made themselves available to lend a non-judgmental ear, to listen to Maria’s concerns and worries as well as her successes in getting back on track. She learned that there are people who care about what happens in their lives, and that she and her daughter are seen as sacred and valuable.

	"My 4-year old daughter Camila is the greatest gift that God has ever given me. Providence House is also a great gift from God , for they have been like angels. Not only has Providence House helped my daughter and me unconditionally, but they have also been a source of moral support—a true family." —- Maria and Camil

After a few months stay, with the assistance of our staff caseworker, Maria was making substantial progress. She was doing well, completing her chores in the house and making her medical, case management and other important appointments on time. More importantly, her attitude on life transformed, showing resilience and tenacity and purpose in the face of difficult

circumstances. At Providence House Maria came to the self-realization that she is a good mother, trying her best and doing her all, for both of them.

In early spring, Maria transitioned to the Providence House Apartment Program. She was assigned her own furnished and fully equipped apartment with her own set of keys. Maria now practices the lessons in responsibility she learned in her first few months at Providence House by being given the opportunity to live independently. Maria and Camila are progressing well—her apartment is always clean and organized when staff visit, she ensures that Camila has daily nutritious meals and gets to school on time, and Maria continues to be punctual to her appointments, all while balancing a busy schedule. We expect her to be out in her own permanent home very soon.

In the twenty-nine years of Providence House’s existence, there have been countless success stories like that of Maria . Women who because of unforeseen circumstances find themselves and their children without a home. Women who give their all to be good mothers but are never given the opportunity to succeed. At Providence House they learn those values that they can carry with them all their life that help them stay out of the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

But none of this is really possible without the generous support of our donors—of people like you. May I ask for your help to make a difference in the lives of other mothers and children like Maria and Camila? Whatever amount you can give, please know that it is deeply appreciated.

hank you for your consideration of my request for your help. The generous response of our donors year after year is a personal source of inspiration as Providence House continues in its mission of creating communities and transforming lives

.With my sincere gratitude,

Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ
Executive Director