The saying is true; there is strength in numbers.
A safe space was essential, but that was not the only problem that Giselle faced. With no clothing and no food, every day was a battle for survival. She had to do the impossible, not for herself, but for her kids.
IPH met Giselle when she was struggling to afford daily meals, and she learned of the free lunches for children at the Summer Youth Program. Her days in the park lead her to IPH’s Sheridan Hollow Drop-In Center which opened the door to additional services and began to change her family’s life.
Once linked with the Drop-In Center, Giselle met her Case Manager, Shahmeeka. With her help, Giselle was able to enroll her children in school, get backpacks with school supplies, enroll her family in food stamps, acquire clothing from the Drop-In Center Clothing Pantry, and even help put smiles back on her children’s faces as they spent their summer in the park at IPH’s Summer Youth Program.
Through the assistance of IPH, Giselle continues to work to get her family’s life back on track. It is her determination, though, that keeps the momentum going. She has worked with IPH to make sure her children can keep being kids; most recently, through an opportunity with a community partner, she took her family to see an Albany Devils hockey game. Her oldest child is following her dream of joining the Army.
“You do the impossible,” everyone has said to her.
Supporting IPH will allow us to keep assisting those with stories like Giselle and her family. There is strength in numbers and, with your contribution, we can grow stronger.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the family.
You can also Text to Donate by texting 4interfaith to 41444. After texting you will receive a link to finalize your donation. 100% of the proceeds go directly to IPH.