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Voices of the people we serve

"We have worked so hard not to be where we are now, but things got bad. So many people who haven't been through it just don't know how it is, what it is like."
- Martin

"I never had to resort to asking for any kind of assistance in the past. I felt really bad and guilty when I walked into your office. After talking with one of the staff members I soon felt more relaxed and a lot better about my situation -- my being unemployed and broke and feeling hopeless..."
- George

"I cannot put into words how we felt when we saw the oil truck pull into our driveway. Frankly, if it weren't for you, my daughter and I would have frozen to death. We sincerely hope this is the last year we need to ask for help."
- Carmen

"I understand the need for Welfare Reform. I have seen the abuse of the current system. But let me say this, as a former recipient of welfare benefits -- I was on welfare when my first child was born. Without affordable day care, I would not have been able to work. The kind of jobs I was qualified for, at that time in my life, could barely pay me enough money to live, let alone pay me enough to pay for day care. Lets face it, the highest percentage of individuals on welfare are unwed, young mothers; mothers who haven't even finished high school. I know first hand how difficult it is to get back on your feet after having a child when you don't have the education needed to qualify for a job that will not only support you, but a child as well. I was one of the more "fortunate" success stories."
- Diane

"(My son) Joshua has always had problems with his school work and no matter how hard he tried he could never quite get it, but since he has been going to the On Target Program his grades have improved. Joshua loves his teachers and can't wait to get there every day. Before this program, it was a constant battle to get him to do his homework. Now he is willing to at least try. He likes the idea that there is someone who cares enough to take the time and give him the extra help he needs. Thank you again for this wonderful program."
- Anna and Joshua

"Mr. B, a recently retired attorney, is the Vice President of the local chapter of NAACP. With all of Mr. B's volunteer functions, he is perhaps proudest of his role in the RSVP inter-generational program. Mr. B captured the hearts and interests of over one hundred school children this past year who sat around him to listen to his personal history which encompasses some of the most memorable moments in history. Mr. B brings to life the stories Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and John Kennedy. He challenges children to dispel racism, hatred and discrimination while at the same time encouraging diversity and an acceptance of the differences which exist amongst us. At the end of each of Mr. B's sessions he is surrounded by children who are asking for hugs and even autographs."
- Mr. B

"When Martha's mom died from a drug overdose. Martha lived with her Aunt. By the time Martha was 15, her life was out of control. She was staying out late, not attending school, and hanging around with a crowd that was into doing and dealing drugs and stealing. Martha came to Thames House and was there for 15 months. She received counseling to help her deal with her mother's death, something she'd never really worried about. Martha adjusted to the rules of group home life. She brought her grades up. When she left Thames House she was determined to maintain a positive attitude and keep her life on track. Martha enlisted in the Job Corps and completed the training program. She now lives and works in Massachusetts."
- Martha