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All Mine!," Shouts Madeline
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Madeline and son on
their new front porch |
"When I first walked in, I couldn't believe it was all mine," exclaimed Madeline who recently moved into her newly purchased home. This coming after months of persistence and a willingness to succeed!
Madeline is the proud mother of three and working full-time to support her sons. She'd been renting for several years, but had her eye on a prize of building her wealth and owning a home. But in doing so, she knew a commitment to improving her finances, learning about the home buying process, and a little help were in order
That's when she found Community Link.
Read more on Madeline's incredible journey and don't miss her home photos on our Facebook page! Or, follow this link to view Madeline's feature story.
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Circle of Giving Back and Paying Forward
Contributed by volunteer Linh Quach
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Linh Quach, Proud Wife,
Mother, and Volunteer |
Throughout the year, I squeeze in time to volunteer with Community Link's VITA program to prepare taxes, to deliver freshly gleaned vegetables with Society of St. Andrews, and sometimes just to visit community members who need a friendly ear to listen. While it is very rewarding to help others, I am even more thrilled to have the chance to give back and pay forward for the generosity of the many volunteers who helped me to become who I am today.
I can still remember the volunteer vividly, with her kind eyes and gentle smile, greeting us at the door. She was there to take us to our many appointments. As newly arrived refugees from Vietnam, our family had only been living in the States for a few months. We would need considerable time and support in order to navigate and assimilate to life in this new unfamiliar world.
Read more on Linh's interesting experiences and join her as a financial volunteer? Or, contact us now for how you can get involved! |
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Most Homeless Don't Work!
Have we grabbed your attention? And, do you agree with our headline?  The sentiment is actually a myth, one of many that often pervades preconceived notions about homelessness. The fact is that homeless people DO work, and a relatively small percentage of them receive government assistance.
Developing stereotypes is natural, even for those who consider themselves the most objective. When you think of the homeless - who do you picture; are most mentally ill; are most single men?
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At quick glance, which picture would you identify as homeless? |
Challenge yourself with our two-minute quiz. You might be surprised with what you learn. Or, just skip ahead to our homeless fact page. Either way, we're glad you're paying attention. |
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Youth Welcome HOME(less) Families
Now we know why Florida is nicknamed the "sunshine state!" An unexpected visit from three sisters, their parents, and two members of their Church brought a ray of light to welcome home a number of families as they obtain new housing.
Traveling from Hollywood (FL) for a three-day faith-based convention in Charlotte, the family was part of hundreds of participants who took part of a day to give back to our community.
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Our New Friends From Florida |
Joining us for a couple of hours, our new found friends decorated cups with touching messages, then planted seeds and flowers. They'll be delivered as part of our welcome baskets provided to the families we'll help into housing this year.
Check out the fun and more photos on our Facebook page.
If you're interested in a group activity, email us. Or find out more on how you can get involved. |
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