Success Stories

Katy -2009

Thank you for giving to United Way. My name is Katy and I am an advocate for United Way. Because of your donations, I received the help I needed for substance abuse and other issues that caused me to hurt myself in ways I did not realize. I would not be as far in the healing process today if it had not been for the counseling during these dark times from New Horizon Family Center. The center provided me with an advocate during court, individual counseling and group counseling and therapy. I went from not wanting to graduate high school to becoming a Junior in college this fall. Getting help has allowed me the opportunity to help others.

Woody -2009

Thanks to the many individuals, corporations, United Way agencies and staff who made a difference in my life. Hurricane Ike severely damaged my complex. I was forced to find a new home along with many other senior and disabled residents.

United Way volunteers were there to help me relocate and for that I am extremely grateful. I want to give back to the community through volunteering with United Way. Please join me by giving today.

Donna -2009

Donna says she had no place else to go when she came to Bay Area Homeless Services in July 2008. "I had no sense of direction, no self-esteem, no will to strive. I felt lost and empty," she says. "Day by day, step by step, my life started to change."

For Donna, the staff members at BAHS have been more than people who just work there. "They have been for me ‘guardian angels,'" she says. "Their encouragement and sincerity for our lives is overwhelming. BAHS is here to help, guide and teach us. So far they have succeeded in more ways than they'll ever know."

Upon leaving the agency's shelter facility, Donna entered the Bay Area Homeless Services transitional program to take the next steps in her journey. "A year and half later, I still have my same job, purchased a car, have $1,850 in savings and planning to get married," she says. "My newest accomplishment is I have enrolled in Lee College to study counseling."