You Helped This Mom Have a New Start

Kalena bravely chose to leave an abusive relationship. She fled from Chicago to Minneapolis carrying only a single suitcase and her three-year-old daughter, Vanessa. When Kalena arrived in Minnesota, she knew no one and had no idea where to go. Miraculously, Kalena was connected to Together for Good.

Her TFG case manager helped Kalena get into a shelter specifically for women and children who have endured domestic violence, ensuring that both Kalena and Vanessa had a safe place to stay.

An incredible TFG host family volunteered to host Vanessa regularly, allowing Kalena time to heal emotionally from the trauma she had experienced and begin establishing her new life in Minnesota. 

Kalena was also paired with an amazing parent advocate named Beatrice, who quickly became a dear friend to Kalena. Beatrice has been a crucial part of Kalena’s healing process, patiently pursuing friendship that showed Kalena that there are trustworthy people who love her.

After about three months, Kalena and Vanessa were able to move out of the shelter into their own place. Kalena had secured a great job, however she learned that it required her to work three weekends a month. 

Kalena shared this new difficulty with her case manager, asking if there was any way Together for Good could help. It just so happened that Vanessa’s host mom, Emelia, ran her own daycare. 

When Emelia heard about Kalena’s work conflict she offered to watch Vanessa on the weekends that Kalena works. Emelia and her family loved Vanessa, and wanted to do whatever they could to ensure that Kalena and Vanessa had all the support they needed. 

When Kalena arrived in Minnesota she felt terrified and alone. Her initial call to Together for Good was out of necessity, but now, her host family and advocate have become dear friends. Because of them, Kalena is looking towards her and Vanessa’s future with hope and purpose. Through Together for Good, Kalena has been surrounded by safe, life-giving community. These relationships have become so close and trusted, that when Kalena talks about Emelia, she refers to her as “family.”

Through ordinary people, simply opening their hearts and homes, Kalena and Vanessa have experienced the love of Christ. 

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.