Anonymous (Dallas County Family Development Center - New Opportunities)
Early in 2014 we met a young mom that had recently moved to Perry Iowa from Virginia. She was attempting to start a new life after fleeing an abusive relationship. She only had an aunt that helped her get here. She felt alone and with no support. Through a new friend she found out about New Opportunities and got in touch with us. At her first appointment we were able to assess her situation and inform her of services available to her family. She was overwhelmed with all the support we were able to provide to her and her three children. We approved her for LIHEAP which gave her protection through the winter months; we helped her with food, clothing and other household items through our food pantry and clothes closet. She also received school supplies for her children at the beginning of the school year through our BACK to SCHOOL SUPPLY program. At the end of the year during the holiday season she was able to receive toys from the Marine Corp TOYS for TOTS program and a holiday food package for her family. She came to us early in 2015 with a big smile in her face and tears telling us about how we had made a big difference in her life. She told me about how we had been there for her during these difficult times when she did not have a job and did not know where to turn for help. She said she felt blessed to have been able to receive so much. She is currently employed full time, was able to purchase her first car and is taking ESL classes to better herself. Additionally she is a continuous volunteer to our center. She and her kids come in during our mobile food pantry events and volunteer their time. She says she wants to give back to the community as a way of saying thank you.
She is just one of our many success stories. Through our programs, networking and referrals we are able to make a difference in the life of this family and many others.