Annie Part 2

If you haven’t heard Annie’s Part 1 Story which we shared last year on Walk Day – you can read it here.

To all of those walking in the cold for me and my family this year, We made it!

A year ago, my family was still finding our footing after the most challenging period of our lives. I had just started the YWCA’s transitional housing program, overwhelmed with fear but hopeful for the first time in months. Today, as we're starting the new year - I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come.

Thanks to the YWCA and their incredible support, my family feels safe, stable, and—for the first time in a long time—excited about the future. That's almost scary to say, because for quite a long time I was walking on eggshells, waiting for something else to go wrong. I'm crossing my fingers as I write this that we're free of that!

Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with Keshia, who has continued to be my guide and biggest cheerleader. Together, we’ve made so much progress. I’ve completed a skills-training program, which opened the door to a promotion at work. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m now able to save a little each month, putting me closer to being able to afford market rent when the time comes. It may not be much - but at least it's a start!

My children are doing so well! They’ve stayed in their schools, surrounded by their friends and the familiarity of their routines. They’re smiling more, laughing more, and dreaming bigger. My oldest even joined a school club this year, something they never would have done a year ago. I can see them starting to put themselves out there more instead of shying away because of fear. It's a huge relief to see them coming into their own. For a long time, I was also worried they'd never be able to. Being part of this program has taught us so much about resilience, community, and hope. It hasn’t always been easy—there have been many moments where I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed—but I’ve never been alone in this journey. The YWCA has been there every step of the way, reminding me that my family and I belong here.

We still have work to do. There’s another year or two in this program before we’ll officially “graduate,” but I know we’re on the right path. I know I’m building a future where my kids won’t have to feel the fear of instability or the pain of uncertainty.

Looking back, I can’t believe how much has changed in just one year. I like to think we’ve found our strength again. We’ve rediscovered what it feels like to belong. And we’ve started to dream of a brighter future, all thanks to the support of the YWCA and the incredible community that believes in families like mine.

To those who continue to support the YWCA, thank you. You’ve helped rewrite the story of our lives. You’ve shown my family that we matter, and that we’re never truly alone. You prove time and time again that we belong here. I've come to realize that is the second-best feeling in the world. The only thing that tops it is the love I have for my children.

Thank you.

Annie