Everyday Triumphs
Education Leads the Way for THC Clients!
Chantel Harper has been a client in THC’s Permanent Supportive Housing program since 2009 during which time she and her 3 children have made great strides toward completing their educations. Ms. Harper came to THC from an STI program where she entered after her husband passed away and she could no longer afford her rent, even though she has always worked as a home health aide.
Ms. Harper’s eldest daughter graduated from college and is now a banker. Her youngest child is a 16-year-old sophomore in high school. Sharron Spriggs, Ms. Harper’s middle child, is currently a senior at Coppin State and will graduate, cum laude, in May with a degree in Social Work and Psychology. Ms. Spriggs’ hard work in college has resulted in her receiving the Ronald McNair scholarship that awarded her a full scholarship that will pay for full tuition, room and board, and books to the prestigious University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she will pursue a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Ms. Spriggs’ has remained extremely focused and drive throughout high school and college in pursuit of her education.
The Ronald McNair Scholars Program was named after the late Dr. Ronald E. McNair, an African American physicist and NASA astronaut who died in the 1986 Challenger explosion. The program is funded at 156 higher education institutions and is designed to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attain their Ph.D. degrees.
Ms. Harper and her children have always known that education was the most important key to becoming successful. Yet, Ms. Harper was afraid to go back to school to obtain her GED. With the encouragement of her daughters and her case manager, Ms. Harper is now enrolled in a GED program and scheduled to get her GED in June 2012.
THC is committed to furthering the education and job skill sets of our clients. THC’s education, career training and workforce development program seek to find each of our clients’ strengths and assets, steer them to the correct program for them, and work with each client through their education process. THC is very proud of Ms. Harper for working to obtain her GED. THC is ecstatic that Ms. Spriggs will attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall of 2012. We will continue to encourage both of them, as well as Ms. Harpers’ son as they study to attain their degrees. Congrats and best wishes to all!
PA2 Resident’s Pitch In
Partner Arms 2 families celebrated the holidays in true family-style form by organizing a potluck dinner for Thanksgiving and another for Christmas. Residents pitched in with all sorts of home-cooked casseroles, baked goods, and Jamaican jerk chicken! One of the highlights of the Thanksgiving feast was hearing what everyone was thankful for – faith, food, friends, family, and of course, a home.
The Christmas dinner included a lovely home-cooked meal, decorations, and Christmas trivia. As a special surprise, Erika Moses and her daughter provided gifts for all PA2 residents. This past holiday at PA2 reflects a strong sense of resident support between the PA2 families and it’s seen throughout their progress through transitional housing. We are proud of our PA2 families for taking initiative and organizing such wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
Residents Appreciation Day
Each year, THC honors our families by hosting a Residents Appreciation Day (RAD) at Christ Lutheran Church. On August 4th, we threw the best RAD ever with special awards for residents, great food, and lively entertainment from outside guests as well as one of our very own THC youth, Kalik M., B-Boy/Hip Hop Performer (YouTube video coming soon!).
THC residents received special recognition and awards for making improvements in their lives, obtaining employment, completing education, and meeting the goals that they set when they entered THC.
Special thanks to the guest performers:
Pamela Collins, Creative Sign Language Performance
Deborah J., Singer/Songwriter
Rooted Dance Troop, Liturgical Dance Group
PA2 Client Triumphs at City Council Hearing
Erika Moses, Partner Arms 2 client, spoke on March 31, 2011 in the Public Oversight Roundtable at the Council of the DC Committee on Housing & Workforce Development, chaired by Councilmember At Large Michael A. Brown. Ms. Moses was introduced by THC Executive Director Polly Donaldson who also testified to THC’s role in housing more than 300 families in the District’s Affordable Housing Continuum. By sharing her powerful story, Ms. Moses expressed her support for the range of housing programs needed in our city to serve the most vulnerable populations. Everyone at THC is proud of her latest accomplishment in speaking before the City Council and we applaud her success at Partner Arms 2.
To view the Hearing, please click the direct link below and forward to 26 minutes into the video:
http://octt.dc.gov/services/on_demand_video/channel13/March2011/03_31_11_HOUSING.asx
Imani Walker
Imani Walker is the mother of four children. Ms. Walker was a client in the Partner Arms program from 1999 to 2001. Partner Arms provided her with the residential foundation necessary to stabilize her family. She enjoys eleven years in recovery from substance abuse and physical violence. Ms. Walker has used her experience of personal suffering to healing to advocate for the needs of other families with substance use and trauma issues.
Ms. Walker is Co-founder and Director of the Rebecca Project for Human Rights (RPHR), a national legal and policy non-profit organization that advocates for public policy reform,
justice and dignity for vulnerable families.
She is also the founder and director of RPHR’s Sacred Authority program, a national leadership network of parent-advocates and their allies.
Ms. Walker received The Ford Foundation’s “Leadership for a Changing World” award in 2004, Redbook Magazine’s “Mothers and Shakers” 2005 Award and 2009 Lady Diva Award. In addition, she is a 2009 Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI) associate. Ms. Walker and The Rebecca Project have been featured in Essence Magazine, Redbook Magazine and The Washington Post.
Sherrena Duncan
Sherrena Duncan says that homelessness is a humbling experience. Prior to becoming homeless, Ms. Duncan said that she had a negative opinion of homeless people. She thought that homeless people were drug addicts, lazy or had mental problems. Now she knows the truth. “I’ve had my share of lows but my highs outweighed them. Through all my disappointments and hardships, I’ve emerged a stronger person. This experience has made me see just what I’m made of,” stated Ms. Duncan.
Ms. Duncan, a single mother of 4 young children, is a graduate of ACT College with a diploma in Dental Assistance. Ms. Duncan was working in a dental office when her youngest son became seriously ill and she was forced to take time off from work to make sure he went to the doctor, and for a time, to stay in the hospital. 
Unfortunately, her absences resulted in being terminated from her job, and consequently, she was unable to keep her apartment. Ms. Duncan had to move into her mother’s home where life was understandably hard for two adults and four children in a cramped apartment. Finally, Ms. Duncan decided to go to a shelter in order to get assistance with housing and get back on her feet.
“My first night in the shelter was very scary and the hardest thing I’ve ever done because I didn’t want my children to see how stressed and worried I was,” said Ms. Duncan. Nonetheless, she kept her faith and continued working hard to find the best transitional housing program for her family. When referred to Transitional Housing Corporation, Ms. Duncan knew that THC was the program that would be the best for her family. The emphasis on family counseling and youth programs convinced Ms. Duncan that this was the program that could ‘turn her family around.’ “When I was selected for THC’s program, I jumped at the opportunity to get my family out of the shelter and into a home of our own. I knew that this was a ‘once in a life-time opportunity’ and I was up to the challenge.”
With the assistance of her THC Case Manager, Ms. Duncan was able to secure housing in THC’s permanent supportive housing program that was comfortable and safe for her family. She enrolled her children in school and began looking for employment. Ms. Duncan found a part-time job at Kool Smiles and was nominated for employee of the month after being there for only three months. “Although I didn’t get the award, I was proud to know that I was appreciated for my hard work.”
Ms. Duncan’s hard work has produced great results. She is now a (nine month) full time employee with benefits. “I am enrolled at UDC in the Dental Hygienist program. I’m happy and excited about my future and know that only positive things can happen,” Ms. Duncan said. She is able to provide a better life for her children and that makes her proud. “The happiness and smiles that I see on my children’s faces tells me we will succeed,” said Ms. Duncan.
By participating in THC’s comprehensive supportive services such as parenting and life skills, employment counseling, as well as enrolling her children in THC’s youth enrichment programs, Ms. Duncan realized that there is hope. “Through this journey of discovery, I found my inner strength. I hold my past in my heart and know that my past experiences will guide me to make better decisions in the future for my children and me.”
What a Difference a Home Makes!
Shamekia Murray’s road to THC is a common path. The child of drug addicts, Shamekia and her brothers were adopted by their grandparents. 
Shamekia had a son at a young age. After her brothers turned 18 and moved out, Shamekia’s grandmother had to move to a one bedroom apartment, and in turn, had no room for Shamekia or her son. Even though Shamekia was working, she didn’t make enough money to rent an apartment of her own. After living with many friends and sleeping on sofas, Shamekia found hope. Fortunately, Shamekia’s employer referred her to the Virginia Williams Center which in turn referred her to THC.
What is uncommon is Shamekia’s burning desire to begin anew! THC’s case manager, Victoria Taylor, knew immediately that Shamekia was the ideal candidate to be a PA2 resident. THC residents must exhibit a strong desire and work ethic to make drastic changes in their lives in order to succeed. Since moving to PA 2 in October 2009, Shamekia has been very busy.
Shamekia has very definite goals and dreams. In fact, Shamekia said, with conviction, “I will become a registered nurse. It is not just a dream - it will be a reality in the very near future.” Shamekia’s goal is to work in the addiction and prevention nursing field.
Shamekia’s determination is evidenced by her active participation in many of THC’s programs and services. She is attending the parenting classes and working with the adult therapist. In addition, her son Christian, attends the weekly Youth Enrichment Program including Right to Read, and is working with the child therapist to deal with issues that were affecting his school work. Christian is now doing much better in school, and is no longer ‘acting out.’ Shamekia said of Christian, “In just four months, he is like a different child!”
Shamekia was already employed in the health field but she meets monthly with THC’s Employment Coordinator to discuss any issues or concerns she may have regarding her employment and education goals, and in order to increase job retention, she participates in workshops to address employment challenges. Shamekia, always looking for a better job and a higher salary so that she can better provide for her child, has applied to and looking forward to securing employment with the Federal Government
THC has provided Shamekia and Christian with a real home. “Having a home is so very important. After a long day at work, it’s nice to come home to my own place, fix a good dinner, and help my son with his homework. My son is doing better in school and I don’t have the added stress of making sure that he and I are in a stable environment. I can’t thank THC enough for giving me this opportunity to make true changes in my life,” exclaimed Shamekia!
Gail Parker
Gail Parker was a resident at Transitional Housing Corporation’s Partner Arms 1 from 1994-1996. While Ms. Parker’s story before she came to Partner Arms 1 is not unlike many people who become homeless, it is nonetheless a harrowing tale of a woman’s battle to overcome addiction and self-doubt and her fight to find her way back to sobriety and a meaningful life.
Gail’s descent into drug abuse began very early in her life due to emotional abuse and lack of self-esteem. She began smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol in the 7th grade, and dropped out of school in the 8th grade. She later returned to school but the substance abuse continued that ultimately lead to Gail’s dropping out of school permanently. By the time she was 17, she was pregnant. Her drug abuse led to her losing custody of her son.
Despite her behavior, Gail continued to persevere. She was fortunate to find employment at Latham & Watkins, a global law firm, and worked there for six years. “Working with those folks really made me feel I was a part of their family. I truly loved working with them,” Gail said. At the time, Gail was living with her brother in a family-oriented neighborhood where balcony doors were often left open at night. On a stormy summer night, Gail was tragically raped by a masked man who put a gun in Gail’s mouth during the horrifying ordeal.
Gail’s lifestyle and habits quickly spiraled out of control. Her drug use escalated to where she was freebasing and snorting cocaine on a daily basis. Gail’s drug abuse led to being fired from her beloved job. Subsequently, her two oldest children were taken away from her and given to her mother. Drug abuse led to bad decisions that were followed with the birth to three children in 1992, 1993 and 1994. Gail continued to do drugs, even while in a rehab program that she was eventually kicked out of because of drug use. Finally, in September 1993, Gail entered Demeter House, a Women’s Residential Substance Abuse Center where she stayed for 6 months and successfully completed the program.
In March 1994, she was accepted into Partner Arms 1 to begin a new life. Gail participated in substance abuse counseling, employment and life skill training, and credit and budgeting counseling. With the help of Transitional Housing Corporation’s case managers and counselors, Gail was able to get her high school diploma and save enough money to get her own apartment in 1997. “I never would have made it if it wasn’t for Partner Arms program and the counselors and case manager who guided me on the road to self-sufficiency,” said Gail.
With THC case managers and counselor’s help, Gail was able to get and maintain a temporary job in the DC government making $5.00 per hour. Gail has the same job today, except, she is now a full-time lead tax examiner in the DC Collection Department. She regained custody of her children, lives in the home she bought in 2001 and even remained sober after the death of her oldest child. Gail’s nine year sobriety is a testament to her hard work, faith, and the counselors and case managers at Partner Arms 1 who showed Gail that she could lead a productive and happy life!
A Place to Call Home
Each day, the THC staff witnesses acts of love and expressions of gratitude. Our many partner churches who participate in the Adopt an Apartment program lovingly furnish apartments for our clients living at Partner Arms 1 and 2. Each apartment is as unique and individual as the parishioners who select the furnishings.
Latisha, our newest client, and her three year old son James, were overwhelmed by the generosity and the thoughtfulness of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Adopt an Apartment team. Latisha and James’ move-in day was delayed due to Latisha’s sudden asthma attack that required several days in the hospital. Latisha, a single mother who has cancer, was brought to tears when she opened the door to her new apartment. “I can’t believe that they thought of me like this…I am so blessed,” Latisha said. And, when she saw her bedroom, she was taken aback and exclaimed, “I have my own bed and TV!”
Three year old James was equally excited about his new home and room and had the look of delight when he saw the huge teddy bear on his bed. “This is my new best friend,” proclaimed James! As Latisha’s case manager was leaving, she heard Latisha say softly to herself, “I actually have something brand new in every room…God Bless the people who did this for me.”
If your church would like to participate in the Adopt an Apartment program, please contact Andrew Adams, Development and Volunteer Coordinator, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 202-291-5535.
From the Streets to a Home
In early June 2008, Mrs. Hall* found herself transitioning between despair, helplessness and fear that temporarily had a grip on her life. Her husband of 15 years had left Mrs. Hall and their three teenage children in a run-down 2 bedroom apartment, and owing the landlord three months of back rent. Mrs. Hall, who had stopped working two years before due to an illness, eventually found herself homeless and very afraid.
Mrs. Hall was thankful when she and her children found housing at a 90-day emergency shelter. Yet her worries continued due to the lack of transitional housing shelters and the long wait-list for subsidized apartments in DC.
Luckily, in September 2008, Mrs. Hall’s social worker called THC’s Partner Arms 2 to inquire about the availability of a transitional apartment. A 3-bedroom apartment was being renovated the time, and Mrs. H was accepted in the PA 2 program after her extensive interview process.
With much excitement and gratitude, the Hall family moved into their new apartment the first week in October 2008. Mrs. Hall is now in the process of finalizing her divorce, has been accepted into cosmetology school in Silver Spring, MD, and enrolled into a welfare-to-work program for assistance in employment. Her three children are receiving in-house counseling at PA 2 and participate in the Youth Enrichment Program. Mrs. Hall is receiving therapy twice a week at a neighborhood mental health agency and participates in her weekly case management meetings in addition to all other mandated meetings. Mrs. Hall is now more stable, and often says her family is much happier. She is determined to succeed, and for the first time in a very long time, has a purpose in life.
Mrs. Hall and her children were able to find housing and begin their counseling due in large part to the contributions of our many supporters. We are very proud of Mrs. Hall, and extend a heartfelt thank you to all who helped Mrs. Hall and her children succeed!
*Name changed to protect privacy
Spelling Bee Winner!
Life’s successes are not always measured by monumental accomplishments. Many times, it is the small successes that lead us to a better life. Tamya Frazier, an 8 year old second grader at Partners Arms 2, knows this to be true. Tamya is the Raymond Elementary School’s 2009 Spelling Bee Winner! Tamya, who studied hard every day at school and home practicing her spelling, was very excited when she won! She especially liked beating the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students! Tamya’s favorite subject in school is math. Do we see a math competition in the future for her? Tamya doesn’t know what she wants to be when she “grows up” but we know she already has good study skills to help her in whatever field she pursues. Tamya will compete in the city wide spelling bee later this spring. Good luck Tamya and we are very proud of you!
