A Season of Gratitude and Growth

November is a time to reflect on gratitude—to appreciate what we have and give back to those in need.

Here at HSI, we’re grateful for so much, including a dedicated staff that consistently shows up for our guests and residents, even in the most challenging circumstances. When a participant needs an extra hand up, our team is always there.

Consider Alecia, a guest in our Transitional Housing Program. Last week, Alecia gave birth to a beautiful baby boy after navigating a difficult pregnancy complicated by health issues. She’s also been working through the emotional trauma of a challenging childhood. As Senior Case Manager Bryonna Ramos-Gordon shares, “Alecia has been intentional about creating a healthier parenting style for her daughter and newborn than what she experienced herself.”

Alecia came to our Transitional Housing Program from our shelter, where she participated in group childcare sessions led by parenting educator and counselor Kate Garzón. Parenting has been a struggle for Alecia since her now three-year-old daughter was born, and these sessions became a lifeline. She eagerly absorbed everything she could, and when the group sessions ended, our staff recognized she needed continued support. During her pregnancy, HSI arranged funding for additional one-on-one parenting sessions with Kate—support that Alecia says has made a world of difference in her life.

Our team also coordinated donations of clothing, diapers, a crib, a bouncy chair, and other essential baby items to help her prepare for her newborn. They were there to cheer her on as she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license during her pregnancy—a remarkable achievement!

As someone who stayed in our main shelter as a child herself, Alecia is determined to create a better, healthier, more fulfilling life for her children. And she’s putting in the work to make that vision a reality.

Your support makes stories like Alecia’s possible. Thank you for being part of our community—and for considering a gift to continue this work.