Finding a way forward thanks to mentors and rental assistance
Mom K’s heartfelt reflections remind us that progress takes time. Having someone in your corner can help you face the next challenge with more confidence and see new possibilities ahead.
Mom K was the guest speaker at FamilyForward’s One Step Beyond fundraising event held Friday, October 9, 2026. The parent of two children, Mom K graduated from the FamilyForward program in 2024.
When Mom K became a single parent, FamilyForward’s rental assistance enabled her to move into an apartment that kept her children at the same school and daycare. This stability was crucial as Mom K helped her children adjust to their new family composition. Staying local also meant Mom K’s job remained unchanged. Long-term rent support from FamilyForward allowed Mom K to get caught up on other bills and replenish some of her savings.
Rental assistance plus mentoring adds up to stability and confidence
Although she applied to FamilyForward for help with housing, Mom K came to learn that having two dedicated mentors was even more meaningful. “Some weeks we talked about money and bills. Some weeks we talked about my job, navigating childcare challenges as a single parent, or just trying to figure out how to manage everything that was on my plate. Sometimes I needed practical advice, and sometimes I needed someone who could listen, help me think things through, and remind me that I was capable of figuring things out. I looked forward to those visits because I knew my mentors were on my team. They weren’t judging me for the situation I was in. They were helping me find a way forward.”
In addition to rental assistance and mentoring, Mom K highlighted other helpful aspects of the FamilyForward program. With assistance from FF’s debt-reduction matching program, Mom K paid off her legal and medical debt twice as fast as chipping away at it alone. Mom K also appreciated receiving the pantry supplies and gift cards that helped her offset ongoing household expenses.
Having her mentors walk alongside her meant everything
Mom K concluded her speech by summarizing the financial — as well as emotional — benefits of the program. “FamilyForward didn’t just help me pay rent. It helped me repair my car, reduce debt, provide for my children, and find stability when I was in crisis. It gave me mentors who treated me with respect and a place to turn when I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how I was going to make everything work. They walked alongside me for two years, and that made a difference. I am standing here with more confidence, more stability, and a better understanding of what I’m capable of than I had when I first came to FamilyForward.”
We are grateful to Mom K for spending her Friday evening with us and for having the courage to share some of her story. Mom K’s reflections reminded us that progress takes time. Having someone in your corner can help you face the next challenge with more confidence and see new possibilities ahead.
