Meet Adriana, a resilient single mother determined to carve out a better life for her five children, aged between 3 and 13. While overcoming domestic violence at a local homeless shelter, Adriana connected with Jennifer Kiernan, Saving Amy’s Founder and Executive Director. The Saving Amy team’s encouragement and guidance gave her confidence, enabling her to complete training at Starbucks and continue working with resilience.

Adriana, recognizing the importance of education, enrolled her children in Saving Amy’s Kids Go, a tutoring and mentoring program. Among them is Josiah, whose young life has been marked by significant traumas, including his father’s death in prison and the murder of his 15-year-old cousin.

Despite these challenges, Josiah has exhibited remarkable resilience and kindness. Active participation in school activities, such as the spelling bee, and a commitment to maintaining excellent grades showcase his dedication to education and hard work. Josiah credits the tutors and mentors of the Kids Go program for playing a crucial role in supporting him on his journey. Josiah got accepted into Loyola Academy, a program feeding into Brophy College Preparatory, where Josiah looks ahead to college, and that is where children like Josiah break the cycle of homelessness through the transformative power of education.

Discover Cassandra and Jason’s inspiring journey through the challenges of marriage, personal issues, and family complexities. After being kicked out by Jason’s family, Cassandra, Jason, and their kids found themselves in a pizza place parking lot, seeking refuge in their van. The pizza place graciously allowed them to stay, even offering a hot pizza that mysteriously appeared, though they suspected a customer didn’t leave it behind. Despite the uncertainty, the kindness and warmth comforted their hearts. Unsure about seeking help, Cassandra contacted Jennifer Kiernan, founder and Executive Director of Saving Amy, through the homeless shelter.

They were then introduced to the Saving Amy team; they found comfort in their genuine desire to assist. It was a reassuring reminder that amidst uncertainty, there are those committed to their well-being.

Cassandra overcame initial hesitations and found solace and support through the transformative programs at Saving Amy. From emotional assistance to practical help, such as furnishing their new apartment and securing a job for Cassandra, Saving Amy played a vital role in stabilizing their family. With five children facing unique challenges, the journey out of homelessness was complex, but Saving Amy provided a crucial support system.

Cassandra’s oldest, dealing with mental health issues, discovered comfort within the Saving Amy community, away from school struggles. Trust and independence, cultivated through participation in Saving Amy’s Kids Go program activities, empowered Cassandra’s children to face challenges with newfound confidence.

The Saving Amy programs profoundly enriched their lives. Kids Go offered engaging activities, fostering community and helping the children discover their interests. Participation in other core programs provided essential support, including transportation, dental care, and budgeting assistance. While acknowledging the mental and emotional struggles of transitioning from homelessness to stability, Cassandra highlights the reliable support system provided by Saving Amy.

From a young age, Chamika faced the challenges of being a foster child, enduring abuse, and finding herself alone at 17. Despite these hardships, she started a family and, for a time, found stability living with her boyfriend at his grandmother’s home. Chamika could work and care for her five boys with her grandmother’s support.

However, the grandmother’s passing and her boyfriend’s absence forced Chamika into a period of uncertainty. She relied on her friends, stayed at different friends’ homes, on their couches, and was on a waiting list for a family homeless shelter.

Chamika was placed in housing by the shelter, which included a two-bedroom apartment in an impoverished neighborhood. Chamika came out of the homeless shelter at the beginning of COVID-19 and had difficulty finding a job. At this point, Chamika was introduced to Saving Amy and entered our programs.

Moving into her new apartment, Chamika’s situation was far from ideal – she had only her personal items in garbage bags and two air mattresses for her and her five boys. Saving Amy’s Rise Up program transformed her space into a comfortable home with essential furnishings. The family’s living arrangement was thoughtfully arranged, with the five boys sharing bunk beds in one room while Chamika had her own space.

The Rise Up program’s support extended beyond just furniture. It covered initial expenses, including rent and utilities, and provided vital supplies like hygiene items, cleaning products, kitchen necessities, and even food – turning the apartment into a true home.

Chamika’s employment journey faced obstacles due to the pandemic. Despite finding a job at a lumberyard, she experienced reduced hours and eventual layoff due to Covid-related challenges. She and her children fell ill with the virus, resulting in a difficult journey to recovery. Saving Amy provided financial assistance until Chamika could secure a new job.

The mentorship aspect of Chamika’s journey was equally impactful. Paired with a Saving Amy Journey Partner, she found someone who offered support, resources, and a trusted relationship. Regular check-ins and meetings helped Chamika build confidence and move forward.

As Chamika’s financial stability improved, she transitioned away from government assistance, achieving a steady income and paying her own bills. This progress allowed her to move her family to a safer neighborhood with better schools, marking a significant step forward.

The Kids Go program, in collaboration with Brophy College Preparatory and other local high schools, is aimed at offering year-round tutoring, mentorship, and a summer camp for the Saving Amy children. Chamika’s children have actively engaged in our tutoring and mentoring program, demonstrating the profound impact of community support and mentorship on their journey. Mentors affiliated with Brophy College Preparatory have significantly influenced their attitudes towards grades. Additionally, our THRIVE program conducted an Aspire class on self-regulated learning, igniting Avontay’s (Chamika’s son) interest in pursuing higher education after high school. With a 100% success rate, our program ensures that all children progress to the next grade, while those receiving tutoring achieve a ‘C’ grade average or better, with many maintaining an ‘A’ or ‘B’ average. 

Chamika is in the process of obtaining her driver’s license and eagerly anticipates receiving a car through our Rolling Forward program. Today, Chamika’s family embodies empowerment, having triumphed over significant adversities. Through her unwavering resilience and the steadfast support of Saving Amy, she has reclaimed her dignity and discovered a renewed hope for a brighter tomorrow.