Meet Jeanine – a new employee, an over-comer of being homeless, a mom who is a shining example to her daughter. Jeanine became homeless in November 2012 when she was laid off from work. Luckily, she and her daughter were able to move in with her sister and family. This housing solution only lasted for about three months before tensions flared and they were displaced once again.
During this period, Jeanine and her daughter would stay with friends or they would sleep in their car. In February 2013, Jeanine went to Virginia Williams Family Resource Center and applied to the Rapid Re-Housing program. Rapid Re-Housing at Community of Hope helped Jeanine get stably housed in her own apartment and matched with a case manager and employment specialist to support her with her employment search.
Education has always been a priority for Jeanine because, with a seven-year-old daughter, it has been important to lead her in a positive direction. Since she was not able to find a job immediately, Jeanine thought, “Why don’t I take advantage of the time and go to school.” In December 2013, she graduated from the University of District of Columbia with a certificate in Medical Terminology and Anatomy.
One day, while coming to Community of Hope to meet with her case manager, she saw a flyer at the first floor reception desk listing our open positions, including dental receptionists. “I saw the flyer and thought to myself, ‘This is a perfect opportunity. I should research the company a little more.’” Three weeks later she received her official offer letter from Community of Hope. At that moment she closed her case management with Community of Hope and became a fulltime Community of Hope employee!
“Without COH a lot of this would not have happened. Just talking to somebody was helpful to alleviate stress and ensure that I worked hard. I love the people that I have met here at Community of Hope because they are so respectful and all-around caring.” Jeanine, we are pleased to be a part of what you have achieved as a learner, employee and a mother!
