“​​T” never imagined she and her children could be homeless. After her husband of 20 years abandoned her and their four children, T was not able to keep her housing despite having a full-time job. There were many tears at the beginning of her FHF journey as T struggled to find the self-confidence to be a successful single mom. But T went from surviving to thriving, even buying a condo for her family! T told us her FHF mentors were the first people ever to believe in her.

When we first met “M,” she and her four children, including an infant, were living in her car. Despite everything, M had a vision and the determination to build a better life for her family. While in FHF, she completed her bachelor’s degree, drastically improved her credit score, and saved money. Huge congratulations to M for getting a job in logistics and buying a condo for her family. And her older daughter is attending college! Through M’s hard work in the FHF program, this family’s future is bright.

“L” and her 5-year-old daughter were living in a homeless shelter after escaping an abusive relationship. Her ex had maxed out her credit cards, stolen her car and furniture, and left her emotionally and physically fragile. But “L” is resilient, organized and very motivated. While in the FHF program, “L” completed her bachelor’s degree in computer science, becoming the first college graduate in her family. “I am so thankful for this program! We truly do have angels on earth looking over us.” We are thankful for you, L!

“H” experienced horrible abuse and neglect throughout her childhood. But “H” is resilient, determined that her three children will grow up in safety with hope and opportunity. While in the FHF program, H became the first person in her family to graduate from college! She works in a field she is passionate about, recreational therapy for seniors. H models the importance of education to her three children, and she gives back to our community. H is truly a role model for us all!

While in the FHF program, “S” earned a nursing degree while also working part-time and battling health issues. But absolutely nothing stops S! Saying her motivation comes from wanting opportunities for her darling little boy, she told us, “I would never have been able to do this on my own. You are my team, my family, my support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” S got her dream job, working in a trauma unit at a local hospital. Thank you, S, for your hard work and commitment!

We love hearing from the kids who were in our program with their families. “A” sent a lovely message: “I would like to say thank you again, a million times over, as I can never express enough gratitude for all FHF has done for me. It truly means the world, and I would not be here if it wasn’t for you!” A was awarded a grant every semester from FHF’s Bruce Terlep Education Fund, achieved her dreams, and is now a nurse in a Chicago hospital!

Fleeing an abusive relationship, “R” entered the FHF program with his lovely mom and 2 younger brothers. With the help of scholarships from FHF’s Bruce Terlep Education Fund, “R” attended Bradley University in Peoria. After earning his bachelor’s degree, R was offered a job in finance in San Diego. R recently left us a message that was simple and heartfelt: “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Thank you, R, for working so hard to overcome a traumatic childhood and achieve your dreams!