Annie’s Success

Belonging. That’s what you’ve given my family by being here today.  That’s what helped my family to heal in these last few months. Rent eviction is terrifying. You’re left feeling unwelcome in a house you’ve worked hard to make your home. Feeling that you are unwelcome in your home community. Being evicted is lonely and isolating. It almost broke me, even when I was already feeling broken. I was stuck and felt helpless living paycheck to paycheck. I’d already lost so much, and I was on the brink of losing my children. They were the only thing that could put a smile on my face. I was terrified of what would happen if I couldn’t keep a roof over their heads.  

The situation was bad. It had gotten to the point of having to pick what bills I could afford to cover and what I couldn’t. This was much easier to manage before I lost my husband during covid. He was really the only reason we could afford the beautiful home we had in Grimsby. I did everything I could to keep it, while my grief continued to consume me. I didn’t want to lose any more of him, or our memories. My three kids have always lived here. They’ve grown up going to school, going to the Peach King, going to our church. Our neighbors were like family.  

We will forever be grateful the YWCA took us in. I try not to think about where we would be if it wasn’t for them. They gave us shelter while we figured out how to get back to our community. I’m so grateful that they work so hard to ensure that folks aren’t displaced from their home community, that children aren’t uprooted from their schools. We knew there was no promise of this, but we were so lucky to be able to stay in Grimsby. They worked hard and fast to find us a place.  

Keshia has been my rock throughout this process. We’ve only been in the program for a few months but I’m already working with her closely to ensure that I’ll be able to meet market rent. She’s helping me upgrade my skills, so I’ll be able to earn a promotion or possibly even a new job. She’s helping connect me with more resources in our community so I can better take care of my family and be my best self.  

It’s truly a blessing to be back in my community. To have my children feel that feeling of community. 

The YWCA  worked really hard to make sure my children and I felt like we belonged, that we weren’t alone. That’s what every Mom wants for her children - for them to know they are safe and loved. I feel blessed that when I was struggling, the YW picked up the pieces, wrapped their support around us, and that we never felt alone.  

Thank you for reminding us that we belong here. Thank you for making us feel the love and connection we need. Thank you for showing us that our community has our back. You’ve touched our hearts, souls, and changed the trajectory of our lives by making sure the YW can continue to help families like mine.  

Thank you. 
Annie