Stories of Hope

Stretching from Virginia to the Nation’s Capital are bridges – real and figurative. Community of Hope mentor, Kelly Peaks-Horner, is a Virginia native. On the other side of the bridge lives Nafia Brown, Kelly’s mentee. The pair lives close enough to consider each other “neighbors,” far enough to be strangers, but the bridge of Community of Hope is what connects them forever.

As a new year begins, I always reflect on the past and refocus on priorities. Looking back at 2017, I am particularly pleased that, with your support, Community of Hope helped to end or prevent homelessness for about 1,054 families. We also helped improve health for about 10,820 patients in over 58,000 medical, dental, behavioral health and supportive service visits – a 11% increase from 2016. While our work is about more than numbers, my heart is full with the stories from the almost 13,000 people that your generosity has supported.

Kristal has been a COH mentor since she moved here in 2014. Making a quick Google search, Community of Hope was the first name to come up. She reached out to find out where the need was and was pointed into the direction of the mentoring program. From there, she learned all about the multiple housing programs Community of Hope offers. “I was so impressed that [Community of Hope’s] goal was to keep these families together and that they supported these families to ensure their success,” she said.

From living in a shelter and working odd jobs, to having financial stability and her own apartment, Erica credits all of her accomplishments to Community of Hope. However, before Community of Hope, Erica’s life wasn’t the one she imagined for herself. Erica is one of thousands of families coming through DC’s shelter system. She and her three children (at the time) were in shelter for over a year. “I tried to spend as much time as I could outside of the shelter, only having to be there for curfew,” she said. Erica’s routine consisted of getting her children ready for school and keeping busy during the day. Working odd jobs here and there or just hanging with her friends became the only schedule she knew. She wanted more for herself and for her children, but it was hard doing so by herself; she needed help.

For Miriam Muller, finding the right provider to deliver her baby was important. Miriam, a mother of two, was excited to learn of the pregnancy of her first child, but not as excited when it came to finding a provider. After educating herself on birthing options that would fit her needs, her final choices led her to an open house at Community of Hope’s Family Health and Birth Center. The Family Health and Birth Center is D.C.’s only freestanding birth center where moms have the option of giving birth outside of a hospital.“When my husband and I walked in, we thought it was very nice. It was such an open place and we saw different people all of backgrounds interacting with one another. You immediately feel like you’re in this community.”

For Mercedez Milling-Robinson, being a mom was something that came easy, even natural, for her. “Being a mom means being responsible, but it’s also a blessing and an honor. It’s so much love,” she says. With the birth of their newborn daughter, everything seems to be complete now, but that journey wasn’t easy. “I was nervous this time around because of my first experience giving birth. The staff kept telling me ‘Relax, you know your body and when it will be time to push.’ They really believed in me throughout my labor.” Mercedez first visited Community of Hope’s Conway Health and Resource Center with her sister. Now, a year later Mercedez and Mayara are patients at Community of Hope and thank them for their “great support.”

What an exciting time of year August is! For students it means summer ends and the new school year begins. For Jaylen, attending a new school also means beginning a new daily commute. “I’m excited to meet new friends, and I’m happy that most of my friends are going to be in my classes, too!” The transition from middle to high school doesn’t seem to be difficult for Jaylen. His mom, Mrs. Matthews, has no doubt that the transition will go well, as the family is no stranger to successfully overcoming changes.

Moving from place to place may be easy for some, but leaving the place you know as home in hopes of better isn’t easy. Cameroon native, Toyi Chana lived in his country for over 27 years. "Life in the U.S. is a much better life than in Cameroon,” he explains. “I can live freely, move freely. No one is pushing me [around] and I’m not afraid of being arrested at any time.” After hearing about Community of Hope from Catholic Charities, Mr. Chana called us. When asked about what Community of Hope means to him, he stated “I have a life now.”

Woinshet left her home in Ethiopia and came to the United States to live and work; but limited access to healthcare and resources would prevent her from achieving the freedom she was in search of. “I became sick and was looking for free or affordable healthcare,” she said. “I suffered from pain in my legs from varicose veins, pain in my abdomen, and problems with my vision. It was hard for me and I didn’t know what to do until I found [Community of] Hope.” After visiting a clinic in the Brookland neighborhood, Woinshet was referred to Community of Hope, which suddenly made her hopeful for the future.

“I learned that I really didn’t need many friends around, especially the bad influences. I’m in the house more often now, and I distance myself from those that aren’t good for me. “My kids loved Hope, though. They would participate in everything.” Ms. Hazelwood’s 3 children—ages 10, 8, and 5—enjoyed Play Night and the programs offered by Project Create the most. She still takes them back to Hope Apartments to visit staff. “My kids are very understanding. They don’t ask for too much. It’s why I try to do as much as possible for them.”