Stories of Impact

Nia’Tiffany grew up in a cycle of trauma and challenging circumstances and was forced to activate survival mode at a very young age. After being abandoned by her support system, she found herself homeless as a single mother and was connected to Family Gateway. When she and her family could not be served with alternative solutions, they moved into Family Gateway North, our shelter in far north Dallas.

Nia’Tiffany was the sole provider for her 7-year-old son who is autistic and her 5-month-old baby girl. Our team helped her with parenting skills and empowered her to gain a better understanding of her son’s autism. She resumed working and eventually plans to get her GED.

After a few months in shelter, they moved into permanent housing. Na’Tiffany shared that because of Family Gateway, she is grateful the cycle of trauma she endured will not be the same for her children.

 

 

Jade, a single mother of six kids, worked as a massage therapist before the pandemic. She was living paycheck to paycheck and struggled to find affordable childcare, often prompting her to cancel appointments so she could stay home with her kids. When COVID-19 hit and massage therapy clinics were closed, Jade found herself unemployed. After her rent increased significantly, Jade and her family were evicted from their apartment and ended up in one of our emergency shelters. After regaining stability and working with our Vocational Specialist, Jade was offered a job as a physical therapy assistant at a local hospital.

Soon after, she and her family moved into a new apartment. All six kids are enrolled in and attending school. Her four-year-old son, Theo, is receiving wraparound services for a previously undiagnosed behavioral condition. Grant, her oldest son, is actively enrolled in afterschool programming for theater.

Jade is very close to being able to purchase a car so that they will have their own transportation. She had previously sold her car to pay rent before the family was evicted from their original apartment. Jade and her family are now thriving thanks to the support and wraparound services they were provided while in our care.

When talking about her time with us, Jade shared, “Being homeless is a scary feeling. As soon as I was connected to Family Gateway, it immediately changed my whole perception of everything. My kids loved it there, which took so much stress and sadness out of my heart. I am so grateful for Family Gateway.”