Can my connections help change lives?
September 17, 2024
Have you ever considered how your social connections, sometimes called social capital, can help change the course of someone else’s life?
Alicia was feeling a lack of other options when she reached out to Bridge of Hope. She needed a safe place to live for herself and her children; Tyler, age 10, and Havyn, age 2.
Despite having a steady job working in a construction company office, Alicia faced many barriers to finding housing, made worse by the affordable housing crisis. She said it felt impossible to find a place in Tyler’s school district, until she had Bridge of Hope to advocate for her and provide a connection to an available apartment.
“I can hardly put into words how amazing it feels to have a home to raise my kids in,” Alicia said.
Public transportation is not readily available in the rural town they live in, so a reliable car was crucial to Alicia being able to get to work and the kids to school and daycare. A Bridge of Hope board member connected her with someone selling a car for around $1,500. After that, she was able to work on saving money and building her financial stability.
“I’ve been able to build up a savings account and feel like I’m getting ahead of things,” she said.
She’s noticed positive changes in her kids too. Tyler’s performance at school has improved, and he likes playing football and working on art projects. Both kids have better abilities to be content and to occupy themselves in their new home.
Their Neighboring Volunteers attended Tyler’s sporting events and invited them over for meals. They happened to know Alicia’s neighbors at her new apartment, and they introduced her to them, creating a connection to new friends.
“They’re super supportive, and I really appreciate them. They made a big impact on us.”
Alicia has training and previous experience in the nursing field, and she hopes to work in that field again in the future.
This is how connections can create lasting change in the lives of the family!
Edith Yoder
Chief Executive Officer
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