“Live Humbly, with Charity and Love”

As we celebrate the achievements, bravery and determination of women during Women’s History Month we also celebrate the everyday accomplishments the women in our programs are making. Many have experienced the courage to overcome abuse, addiction or simply a turn of bad circumstances to lift themselves and their families into a better situation – with the help of a supportive Hand Up.

One of these women, Mimi, arrived at the Women’s Campus in September 2021 feeling emotionally shattered and struggling with her self-worth. Just months prior, she had removed herself from a verbally abusive relationship when it escalated to physical harm, leaving her to live out of her car.

Mimi felt a deep sense of gratitude when she moved to the Women’s Campus, but she also faced feelings of loneliness and uncertainty in those early days. She candidly expressed her struggles, revealing that she felt very mentally unstable at times. Fortunately, case workers stepped in to connect her with a compassionate therapist, whose support has been invaluable in her journey. Additionally, having the space so share her feelings and past traumas with her roommates and other residents has been a tremendous source of comfort and healing for her.

After three and half years living with permanent housing and the supports the Women’s Campus provides, Mimi feels the program is like an “anchor” for her and the other residents: “The case workers are always there for you. They know it’s okay to feel the way you’re feeling and they want everyone to succeed. They allow me to move forward step by step while acknowledging my mental illness.” They’ve also helped her connect her strengths to jobs that are feasible for her. This will keep her moving forward with having the time to work on her emotional wellbeing. Always eager to learn and to work, her goal is to re-enroll in college, where she had taken a leave of absence.

Having faced her own experiences, Mimi is a comforting presence for others, whether its offering advice, a shoulder to cry on or simply an ear to listen. Her newfound empathy is a powerful reminder to never let anyone diminish your worth and work to uplift those around you. She has learned to “Live humbly, with charity and love.”

The Women’s Campus has grown to be more than just a place to live for our residents, it’s become a space of healing. Thank you to our supporters and volunteers who have seen this vision and have helped provide a Hand Up to the women who need it!