Journey Partners
Saving Amy focuses on companionship and support to address the unique needs of our families
What is a Journey Partner?
A Journey Partner at Saving Amy is a dedicated mentor who works closely with families transitioning from homelessness. These mentors provide crucial encouragement, guidance, and accountability, supporting families in their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. Journey Partners are integral to Saving Amy’s holistic approach, addressing the emotional, academic, social, and career needs of both parents and children. They walk alongside families for three years, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness.
from the heart of a journey partner
Can you share a particularly meaningful experience you had while serving as a Journey Partner Mentor for a Saving Amy family? What made it stand out to you?
JG: The most meaningful experience that I had with Tillie was watching her take risks for her own self-improvement. Tillie is such a giver of herself to others and it was powerful to watch her learn to give to herself. She developed self care practices and boundaries through the Empowerment Through Therapy program. She became an advocate for herself and what was best for Tillie whether it be her job, where she lived, self care, etc.
In your role as a Journey Partner Mentor, what do you feel the Saving Amy families gained from your support and guidance? How do you believe your presence impacted their journey?
JG: We are all meant for connectedness. Tillie and I formed a life-long bond where we supported each other. It took Tillie some time to trust that I was going to be by her side no matter what yet when she knew that I wasn’t going anywhere, I witnessed her confidence grow in all aspects of her life. She knew she was not alone and had the tribe of Saving Amy to walk alongside her.
Could you describe a typical week when you were working alongside a Saving Amy family? What regular activities or interactions did you engage in to provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability
JG: My relationship with Tillie was unique from others in that we live in different states. While our communication was over phone and text, it was very authentic and vulnerable. We spent time just talking about life, working through budgets, doing taxes, preparing for job interviews, searching for new apartments. We developed a strong relationship that covered all aspects of life.
Reflecting on your time as a Journey Partner Mentor, what specific areas or challenges were you able to assist the Saving Amy family with? How did you approach addressing these needs?
JG: There were so many areas that we worked through and I gained more from our relationship than she did! The foundation of our relationship was built on trust and I believe that the trust we built helped Tillie to trust herself and gain confidence in her decision making. This impacted all aspects of her life.
How would you describe your relationship with the Saving Amy family you mentored? What did this relationship look like on a day-to-day basis, and how did it evolve over the course of the three years?
JG: Our communication went in waves. At times we talked or texted every day. And other times we went a week or two without connecting. It was really based on where Tillie was at. The beginning of our relationship was fun yet surface. Once we developed trust and were able to be vulnerable with each other, we formed an unbreakable bond. We had many difficult conversations and dealt with some really tough things. Through it all, Tillie was committed to her growth. Now our communication is not as frequent but she knows she can reach out at any time and I can do the same. When I come to AZ to visit family, Tillie and I always get together. She is such an inspiration and I have learned so much from her! I am blessed to have Tillie McKoy in my life, in my corner and as my friend!
from the heart of a saving amy family
How would you rate the support provided by your Journey Partner in helping you navigate challenges and build essential skills?
TM: My Journey Partner really supported me, especially when I had job interviews. She practiced questions with me, helped me prepare for what interviewers might ask, and was there for me every step of the way.
What areas of your life have you seen improvement or growth since working with your Journey Partner?
TM: I’ve noticed growth in a lot of areas. We have some things in common, like both being moms, and she’s helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses. Her support has been so valuable in helping me see things from a different perspective.
Can you share any memorable experiences or interactions with your Journey Partner?
TM: We’ve had so many great moments, like going out to lunch together or working through issues hand-in-hand. One of the best memories was when she helped me talk about planning a move into my own place—it really felt like she wasn’t going to give up on me.
How has your Journey Partner encouraged you to get involved in Saving Amy’s core programs that address deeper issues related to homelessness?
TM: She would often ask me if I was attending the classes and what I thought about them. The budgeting class, for example, really helped me open a bank account and set up direct deposit for my bills. The nutrition class inspired me to eat healthier too.
What impact has your Journey Partner’s support had on your emotional well-being?
TM: Emotionally, it’s been such a blessing. We both share a strong faith, and knowing she’s a believer like me has really given me comfort. Her encouragement has had a huge positive impact on my emotional well-being.
Have the resources and assistance provided by your Journey Partner been enough to meet your needs?
TM: Yes, she’s been my rock and resource when I needed it most. Through her love and support, I felt like I could open up, which was exactly what I needed during this journey.
How has the supportive community fostered by your Journey Partner contributed to your sense of belonging and stability?
TM: Stability has been so important for me, and she’s been a big part of that. Her kindness and the way she opened her heart to me created a sense of belonging that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
What additional support or resources would you like to see offered by your Journey Partner or the Saving Amy program to further help you on your path to self-sufficiency?
TM: I think having more 1:1 time with my Journey Partner would be great. More activities together would help us build even more connection and togetherness.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend the Journey Partner program to other families facing similar challenges?
TM: Definitely a 10! I would highly recommend this program to anyone.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with your Journey Partner or Saving Amy programs?
TM: I truly believe Saving Amy was sent by God into my life. It’s helped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined and I’m sure it can do the same for others. My Journey Partner is such a kind, open-minded, and non-judgmental person. She genuinely loves helping others in any way she can.