Inspirational Stories....

Yolanda

I am a woman in recovery who came to THI to learn how to live a better way of life.

Yolanda Lee left Transitional Housing about a year ago. Today she works full time as a State Certified Nursing Assistant, attends school full time at Cuyahoga Community College with the ultimate goal of becoming a R.N., and very recently moved into a rent-to-own three bedroom house. Just a few years ago, home ownership would have seemed out of the question to her. Now she looks forward to it. During the year and a half that she was here, Yolanda built a firm foundation on which to build a productive and happy life. As she describes it, "For 28 years I lived a life of misery and pain, on the pathway of self-destruction through addictions." She credits THI staff with helping her develop life management skills. When she moved into her own home, her children joined her. As she describes it, "The kids have a mother that they can depend on now, instead of someone who would disappear on them." What would she share with new residents? "Think positive, keep the focus on yourself, the only person you can change is yourself. Take each moment as peaceful and stay in the day - yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised to you, so have a nice day."

Christine

I don't know where I would be today if Transitional Housing was not available.

"Awesome" is how Christine Lanum describes Transitional Housing, Inc. Ms. Lanum describes her journey. "I was a homeless woman with no direction or knowledge of how to get back on my feet. I was fresh off drugs, my belongings were in storage, and I hadn't seen my children in twelve years. It was difficult to get into detox because I was a single woman without my children, insurance or cash. I coudn't get a job without an address. Then God put Transitional Housing in my path. I'm so grateful. While working, saving, and paying old bills, they offered me many classes to help me along in life such as Anger Management, Relationship Awareness, Financial Awareness, Healing after Addiciton, and so much more. I don't know where i would be today if Transitional Housing was not available. For me that was my only option, my only hope.

Today I still work at the same job and I have a little apartment. My 22 year old son lives with me, and God just recently put my 18 year old daughter back in my life. It's a miracle. I just keep doing God's will and wonderful things keep flowing my way. Thank you God for putting Transitional Housing and the people that make it happen into my life."

Since leaving THI in December of 2005, Ms. Lanum has been promoted to a full-time position with Massimo da Milano Restaurant and most recently performed in Transitional Housing's Gospel Brunch for the second Year.

Jeanne

THI prepared me to take the next steps. I have a full-time job with responsiblities, a title, and my own business card! This is how Jeanne, 24, describes her life today. A year ago when she found her way to Transitional Housing she had a different story. "I was struggling with no place to stay. I learned to survive on the streets."

Jeanne came to THI ready to make a change in her life. She welcomed a sage place to stay and the structure and support offered by THi. As she reflects back, she recalls the relief and joy of having her own space at THI but being in a place with other women with many of the same struggles. "I fit right in," says Jeanne. "The classes were very helpful and gave me things to think about. They gave me a chance to network with other women."

Shortly after coming to THI Jeanne began working part-time in a neighborhood restaurant. Networking with another resident, she learned of a local business that needed an extra person. She was soon promoted to a full-time position in a company where she believes she can continue to grow. While at THI Jeanne opened a checking and savings account, purchased a car, and started to accquire furniture. She has since moved into her own home.

In her words, "I am grateful for the opportunity to stay at THI. I am at the best point I've ever been. It is awesome to see how God works."

LaVerne

THI is a place of hope and inspiration for any woman who wants to turn her life around. Today you are a new woman... not that woman who walked in here. Today you are a woman who can achieve anything. You can go out there and be anybody. LaVerne has these words of encouragement for anyone who might be coming behind her. This energetic, bigger than life woman introduces herself as a forty-eight year old recovering addict and graduate of Transitional Housing. "When I came here, I was a mess inside and out. My life was upside down. I was jobless and hopeless."

It was for LaVerne and her fellow sisters that three Sisters of St. Joseph created Transitional Housing  twenty years ago, fired with the conviction that all people should have safe, decent, affordable housing. As LaVerne comments, "There are no pity parties. The staff was patient with me. They showed me how to hold my head up, be confident, and know within myself that I am worthwhile. I attended classes at THI on things such as relationships, money management, and time awareness. They encouraged me to attend college. Today I have my own apartment and I pay my bills responsibly." Since leaving, LaVerne has also joined THI's Board of Directors.

Diane

When she came to THI she had lost everything due to her drug problem. Her brother had custody of her children. She came to THI without a GED. She now has a Master's Degree and is currently working on her PhD. Diane currently teaches on a college level. This semester she is teaching at Notre Dame in Euclid, and at Akron University. Diane and her children were reunited. They too have continued their education and are doing well in high school and college. She owns her own home in Berea, Ohio.

Diane gives back to the women at THI in many ways. Recently she adopted a room through our Adopt-A-Room program and spent $1,500 refurbishing it with new furniture, flooring, paint, etc.

Regina

Regina came to THI determined to overcome her addiction and to provide stable housing for her children. While here, she started undergrad work at Cleveland State University as well as working part-time. Regina earned her Masters in Social Administration at Case Western Reserve University. She is a LSW,CCDC III and she is employed at Catholic Charities doing Diagnostics Assesments, counseling women in various shelters.

Loretta

Loretta came to THI from a very abusive marital relationship. Walking away with only the clothes on her back she left everything behind including her daughter and son. Loretta spent a year regaining her self-esteem and self-confidence. As she did, Loretta also prepared herself mentally, physically and spiritually to work and live on her own again. Soon after she moved out of THI, she was able to regain custody of her daughter. Having healed somewhat herself, she was able to help her daughter heal also.

She has steady employment since she left THI and volunteers her time for others who are less fortunate. Her daughter graduated from Notre Dame College last spring and is working at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Unit. Loretta still returns to THI occasionally.

Dolores

"Transitional Housing, Inc.; a port in a storm, a haven for healing, and a foundation upon which to rebuild my life. For me, THI was all of that and so much more. During my two years of refuge, I was healed, re-energized, and I completed my Associates Degree in preparation for the next phase of my life. Prior to my personal experience, I had no knowledge of the social service system. However, since THI, I have dedicated my remaining professional years to providing supportive services to ohers in need. THI was a life-altering experience for which I will forever be grateful."