Living off one income is hard, but for Hannah, she had gotten used to losing that income.  Her husband would constantly quit or be fired from his construction job, and he would either beg for his job back the next day or spend weeks looking for a new job. Each time he was looking for new work, Hannah would see him start to panic about not having enough money and start to become angry and violent, but as soon as he found another position he went back to his fun self who constantly took his kids out on weekend and spoiled them with gifts. The last time he lost his job resulted in 5 months of verbal and physical abuse, and Hannah promised herself she would not put herself or her children through that cycle again. So, when he came home to tell her he had lost his job yet again, Hannah had to make a choice. Bravely, she reached out to Radiant Futures’ helpline to learn how they could assist her and how to create a safety plan for herself and her children. 

While her husband was out, she and her children fled to our emergency shelter. From the moment Hannah arrived at Radiant Futures, she worked closely with her housing advocate to discuss her short- and long-term goals and together, they set up a plan. Determined to create a better life for her family, she had been taking secondary education classes when she and her children left their home. She was happy and relieved to learn that she could continue attending online classes uninterrupted during this transitional period. Hannah knew, in the best interest of her children, she wanted to be in the area where they had lived so her children could stay enrolled at the same school they had been attending. Her advocate helped her with the application process for a housing voucher from a local housing authority, which would allow for that to happen. 

While at the shelter, Hannah made it her priority to take part in all the classes that Radiant Future had to offer.  She connected with the clinical team for individual and group counseling, participated in the Personal Empowerment Program, financial literacy classes, and spoke with our legal team about the divorce process.  During their stay at our shelter, she and her children began to blossom and relax. Hannah and her children attended our annual Summer Splash event, which provided a much-needed break from their daily routine.  This event at Radiant Futures allowed her children to play and have fun, bringing some normalcy back into their lives during a difficult time.  

Hannah took part in Radiant Futures’ life skills program, where they helped her build a resume; she then started applying for jobs and was ecstatic when offered a position in a local medical office.  More good news came her way as she learned that she was approved for her housing voucher. 

With the help of her advocate and the support system at Radiant Futures, Hannah found an apartment that was perfect for her family. With the housing voucher and her new job, she was able to move into her new home, marking a significant milestone for her and her children. Hannah and her family are excited about their new adventure together. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call our 24/7 Helpline at 877-531-5522.