Marie, a victim of domestic violence, came to Capernaum Place when she was 8 months pregnant with her daughter. Throughout her pregnancy, she was sleeping on a friend's couch and  working at a factory to support herself. When she was given the chance to live at Capernaum Place, Marie was thrilled and participated fully in all of the required programs including budgeting, parenting skills and nutrition.

"My challenge was big because I did not have any place to live and I was pregnant . . .  Capernaum Place gave me support and strength, and then they [Lazarus House] gave me a home," explained Marie. In April of 2011, Marie delivered a baby girl and that summer found employment taking care of infants and children at the YWCA. In September she started a Certified Nursing Assistant training program and successfully received her certification. In December of 2011, Marie received her driver's license and was able to accept a better  paying part-time job that was not on the bus route. Marie shared, "My baby is now almost two years old, I'm working towards making a better future for her. I'm very thankful for Capernaum Place. The staff always are here to help people if they need food, to talk or  for support - they were always there for me."

Marie is now creating a new life for her daughter and herself. She found permanent housing and recently moved into a two bedroom apartment. During her stay at the Lazarus House facility, Marie was able to save enough money to purchase a car and some furniture for her new home. She has been accepted into a degree program at Cambridge College and when she completes it, hopes to continue her education to become a lawyer. 

"Sometimes we need other people's help so we can improve our lives and make a better future for our children. I want to be a lawyer because I want to help the people that don't have money to pay for a lawyer. I think that sometimes justice here is not really justice, and I want to change things. I know to change the world is difficult  . . . ," paused Marie, "but if I can do one thing that will change the world then I'm going to do it."

Through a fierce determination, in addition to the care and support of the people at Capernaum Place, Marie exemplifies how a person can transition from homelessness to a purposeful life that will allow her to fulfill her goals and ambitions for the future. Carmen Paulino, Housing Coordinator at Lazarus House recalls, "She's persistent and a go-getter. If she puts her mind to something, she will achieve it!"

92% of the residents and their families living at Capernaum Place go on to permanent housing after receiving a helping hand out of poverty. If you would like to help someone like Marie please donate online. Thank you.