OUR SUCCESS
Jennifer and her daughter, Alexa were the first residents in Ujima House. She came to Ujima House in 2004 because of her drug addiction. Both Jennifer and Alexa were in CPS care but at different facilities. Ujima House allowed for their reunification. Once settled, Jennifer enrolled in school and Alexa in daycare and graduated from Humanities and Science High School. While in school, Jennifer held down a part time job and saved in preparation for independent living. Jennifer and Alexa moved into their first apartment in October of 2005. Jennifer is working full time, has a thriving relationship with her family and is looking forward to attending nursing school in the near future. In a letter to FIBCO Family Services, Inc., Jennifer wrote, “My life has been turned around for the better. I have been clean and sober for over a year and a half. I could have never accomplished these things without the help of the Ujima House. I will always consider them a part of my family and am very grateful for their love, help and support.”
Story#2
Terrica and her five children relocated to Arizona shortly before being separated from her husband. The children ranged in age from 14 years to 7 months, and the family had no shelter or other resources. Through our Human Services program, Terrica and her children were provided clothing, shelter, and case management to establish public assistance benefits. The children were enrolled in school and the family stabilized long enough to return to their home and a family support system.
Story #3
William was a youth who aged out of the foster care system. Against the odds, he graduated from high school and went on to community college in pursuit of higher education. Within a year, William found himself homeless and reckless. Without a support system, he began making choices that cost him a year of his life in a correctional facility. Upon his release, FIBCO Family Services, Inc. was one of his first stops. Through our Youth Services and Community Programs, William received assistance with housing, transportation, employment, clothing and other public assistance. He’s now giving back to the Ujamaa Project by volunteering to serve the at-risk youth through workshops and group mentorship.
Story #4
Every week, our Human Services Program provides a lunch to our homeless population. In 2008, FIBCO piloted an employment project that used our homeless veterans and volunteers as part of the labor force to support operations and inventory and to complete a housing renovation project. A licensed contractor hired 5 of our homeless volunteers to complete a multi-million dollar project. Three of these volunteers are no longer homeless and moved on to other full-time employment. One of the men we served is pursuing a contractor’s license to start his own business.
A Hand Up…Not a Hand Out!
