Mark is currently a resident at Hilda’s Place after coming to Connections through our Drop-In program. During the past three months, Mark has experienced some life-changing events. Though the circumstances have been difficult, he has remained focused on his housing goals and maintaining his sobriety. He has maintained a job for more than six months and continues to focus on achieving personal goals. He is actively looking for his own apartment and has proved that he is independent and reliable.


 
After Dawn’s car was repossessed more than three years ago and with nowhere to stay, she turned to a shelter on the northside of Chicago. This short-term housing ultimately led to a referral to Connections’ Supportive Housing program where Dawn has made considerable progress accomplishing her goals. During her time in our program, Dawn has regained her confidence. She is leading discussions with her case manager about goal setting and frequently seeks her case manager’s advice, guidance, and support. Dawn is currently taking classes at Oakton Community College to stay current on accounting practices. She has also found a passion for advocacy in working with Connections’ Affordable Housing Consumers Group and is always thinking about new programming that would be helpful to Connections’ participants. Dawn has gained greater and greater in stability in life because of her continued resilience and ambition.  



More than seven years ago, Lakesha and her family entered Connections’ Supportive Housing program after experiencing an eviction that resulted in homelessness. Lakesha is determined to excel in her academics and is an attentive student that studies hard to achieve her goals. During her entire freshman year of high school, Lakesha was recognized as an Honor Roll student.  Lakesha recently participated in her second year of summer camp at Camp Tecumseh and her self-confidence continued to grow. She blossomed socially after participating in camp activities that helped her to form lasting friendships with other campers and staff. Lakesha is a free-spirited, humble young woman who is always willing to help others and try new things.



Mary and her children have participated in Connections’ Supportive Housing Program for nearly three years after being referred from a shelter. Mary is a loving, committed mother to her 5 children. The family actively participates in events and celebrations, including monthly family nights. Mary has also successfully juggled a full-time job, while also attending school and parenting her kids. Mary’s patience and resilience were recently exemplified during a family crisis. Despite challenging circumstances, she was able to complete her schooling, pass State certification exams, and obtain a Medical Assistant Certification. By achieving these goals, Mary is now pursing new job opportunities in the healthcare field to better support her family.  



Greg was connected to Hilda’s Place after first engaging with Connections through our Drop In program. He is committed to improving his future and growing his savings in order to have a place of his own. Greg is known for offering help with whatever is needed at Hilda’s, including extra chores. He is also working, both at a laundromat and doing various handyman jobs, to continue to grow his savings. Recently, Greg completed a CEDA training course and graduated with a certificate. He is pursuing other courses to prepare to earn his G.E.D. to secure a more stable job with a better wage.