Client Stories

From one to twenty…
A snapshot of the past six years in Stepping Stones History.

After six years of helping abused women and their families, we welcome our 20th client.

Tonight, our newest client and her four-year-old son are sleeping safely in their new home for the first time. Stepping Stones volunteers supplied this family with furniture and household items and helped her get settled in her new apartment. Mentors Linda and Geraldine helped move boxes from the client’s storage unit, bought the initial supply of food and are now meeting with her weekly. Our client kept thanking the volunteers and mentors for giving her this opportunity and is thrilled to be in her new home and starting this new and healthy phase of her life, thanks to all of you!

Let’s go back six years to when our first client, Chary, arrived at Stepping Stones with her two young children; with no driver’s license, no job skills, and not much hope. Fast forward to today where after weeks of studying and worrying, Chary has attained her United States
citizenship. She is so proud of her accomplishment. We, at Stepping Stones couldn’t be more pleased for Chary and share in her joy. Thank you to those volunteers who moved Chary to her first apartment, thank you to her mentors who met with her each week, thank you to those who gave money and thank you for your prayers – you can see what you have achieved. Now, she has a license and a car, a job where she is well respected by her co-workers and supervisors, is working toward a degree, and has became a US citizenship.

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
AS YOU GO FORWARD, CHARY.

A Message from a Stepping Stones Client…
“You Lift Our Spirits

This is the second Christmas Eve since we moved to this apartment. My two sons and I get together in front of the TV and watch our favorite show.  Although outside it is cold, we feel so warm and comfortable. We have a special feeling for this apartment. On this big holiday night, I cannot stop thinking about my life two years ago, when we had to move out of our own house after my ex-husband left us. Our house was in foreclosure. It was a tough time in my life. I was so desperate. With nowhere to go, Stepping Stones reached out their hands and provided a place for us to live. Our hearts were deeply
warmed by this great help. Since then we were filled with support, love and guidance. From everyday living, to childcare, to education and my career, Stepping Stones is always there for us with words
of encouragement, love and gentle guidance.

Between Bridge Community and Stepping Stones, they helped me find a job at Harris Bank. I went to Harper College in the evenings to take a course that would prepare me for the job. I was able to save some money for our future so when I leave this program I will have some reserves. My two young boys and I have been able to live a peaceful, safe and happy life.

The mentors, Sheryl and Maria, visited us every week for the first year and a half. Now, because I am reaching my goals, they come every two weeks. When our birthdays come, Stepping Stones, along with many generous people, bring us gifts. When I needed a babysitter so I could work, my mentors reached out to Trinity Lutheran Church and I was able to get help from teenagers who volunteered their time. They came to my apartment for that day so I could work. When our VCR was broken, Stepping Stones provided one for us. This winter we received new gloves, hats and scarves.

This was all made possible through generous donations and we thank you. My mentors are always there for us. They are like part of our family. Especially when Christmas was coming, they brought a lot of nice gifts and gift cards. Our hearts were over-filled with love and joy. My heart was really touched by this unconditional love. I could not stop tearing from this generosity. Without Stepping Stones and Bridge Community’s help, we cannot imagine how our life would be. My two kids are growing and healthy.

We dream of a beautiful future. Stepping Stones brought a bright light of hope for our life and truly lifted our spirits. I have gained back confidence in myself and have learned many life skills that will take me on my next journey. We thank you, Stepping Stones. Because of you, our apartment is always filled with our laughter and cheers.