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"For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothes. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me."  Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT)

Testimonial of a former client:


How has A Hand Up helped me/transformed me?
When I stayed in my apartment, I was living an unhealthy lifestyle and chose the wrong friends to keep company with. I knew I had to make better decisions for me and my son, Khalil. Further on down the line, I lost an especially important relationship with my parents due to disagreements. Slowly, but surely, I started to take my eyes off God and question Him when I did not understand why certain things would take place. In December 2023, I lost my apartment and became homeless with my son after Christmas, and we left after receiving a 30-day notice to vacate. 
I was angry and lost and often cried to God asking, “why me?” After we left the apartment, I stayed with my friend for 2 weeks.  Soon after that, I went to a place called First Stop and sat down with a counselor and told her I needed a place to stay where I could have a nice space to live until public housing called us for an apartment. During the 4 months I stayed at A Hand Up, I have noticed a substantial change in me. I am no longer angry with myself. I have learned how to be at peace with my situation and have gotten closer to God and building a better relationship with Him. I am also in the process of repairing my relationship with my parents.
During what I call a shift in life, A Hand Up has helped me tremendously. Not only has Ms. JoAnn had a good impact on me and my son’s life, but she has also molded me into a God-fearing woman and tomorrow we will be moving into my new apartment. Thanks to God, because without Him, none of this would be possible.

Shawander Jackson

April 28, 2024

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