Adapting and rebuilding after a devastating loss

FamilyForward graduate Mom J was the guest speaker at the annual Giving Hope fundraiser brunch, held October 20, 2024. Her story is an inspirational testimony of how FamilyForward helped her rise above overwhelming challenges to rebuild her life after a family tragedy.

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The family speaker at the Giving Hope fundraiser on October 20 was recent Mom J, a recent FamilyForward graduate. Mom J applied to participate in our program following the sudden death of her husband. She knew she needed rent assistance to keep the family in their apartment and keep her children at their same elementary school. She also knew she needed mentors to guide her as she adjusted to life as a single-income family.

Adapting to a single income

Mom J described how she was more comfortable talking about her feelings, concerns and plans with her FamilyForward volunteer mentors than with her parents or siblings. Mom J mentioned some of the aspects of the mentoring process she found most helpful. Her mentors:

• Helped her learn how to keep track of her expenses and adapt to a budget.

• Accompanied her to an information session for future first-time home buyers.

• Connected her to resources in the community.

• Celebrated with her when her savings account slowly, but gradually, grew.

Summing up her mentors’ involvement in her family’s life, Mom J stated, “they have listened to me, guided me, and supported me.” 

Taking steps to rebuild

Personally, and professionally, Mom J accomplished quite a bit during her two years with FamilyForward. She enrolled both her children in professional therapy because she knew they needed mental-health support to cope with the loss of their father. She found a higher paying job with a more family-friendly schedule that allows her to spend more time with her children. She is taking a certification class at Harper College to advance her skills and credentials.

When Mom J applied to FamilyForward, she felt hopeless. Now, as she said in her speech to the crowd, “I feel peace. Without your help and support, I wouldn’t be here.”