Client Stories
“I’m very thankful for Connections of Cumberland County because this agency gave me hope during my worst days. I didn’t know where my family and I where going to live. I didn’t know how I’d support my kids, pay for rent, or even how to make Christmas happen. With the help of Connections I channeled my worries into actionable plans and I am proud to say that my children and I are housed, I am employed, and we’re all doing great!”
Jaime
– Single Mother of 8 –
Jaime’s Story
When Jaime* first came to Connections in early November 2022, she was searching for something every parent wants for their children: a safe and stable place to call home.
The house where Jaime and her children were living had black mold and several leaks in the ceiling. She had reported the problems to her landlord, but as the family’s financial challenges grew, Jaime eventually received notice that they would have to leave because of nonpayment.
With just 30 days to find somewhere new to live, Jaime began searching. But one obstacle seemed to follow another. Many landlords required prospective tenants to show an income three times the monthly rent, putting much of the available housing out of reach. With time running out and few options left, Jaime turned to Connections for help.
Connections immediately began working with Jaime, providing referrals for income-based housing and helping her navigate the application process. Unfortunately, her deadline to leave her home arrived before any of those applications could be approved. To make sure Jaime and her children had a safe place to stay in the meantime, Connections was able to provide funding for a 30-day hotel stay.
Those 30 days became a bridge to something better.
Jaime worked closely with her case manager, completing housing applications, gathering documents and responding to the many requirements of income-based housing providers. Her persistence paid off. Jaime was approved for income-based housing, and Connections was able to help with the costs of moving her family into their new home.
Throughout the process, Jaime remained committed to building a more stable future for her family. Her consistent communication and attendance at case management meetings led to her nomination for Connections’ Christmas Giving program. The additional support eased some of the financial strain she was carrying and helped Jaime create a memorable Christmas for her children in their new home.
However, Jaime’s story with Connections didn’t end when she received the keys.
She continues to participate in budgeting workshops and Women’s Empowerment groups and utilizes additional resources such as the hygiene closet and NC Diaper Bank services. Jaime and her children also attend Connect to Fellowship. When her work schedule keeps her from attending, her mother brings the children so they can continue to be part of the program.
Through Connections, Jaime has also received referrals to community partners including Catholic Charities and Manna Dream Center, helping her build a stronger network of support around her family. She has secured childcare and begun working in hospice care, a role that has become deeply meaningful to her.
For Jaime, caring for others during some of life’s hardest moments is more than a job. She considers it an honor because she “gets to be with families in their most challenging time.”
Jaime originally came to Connections looking for help finding a home. What followed was a journey toward greater stability, a stronger support system and a new chapter for her family, one she continues to build every day.
*Name changed to ensure client privacy.
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