Resiliency In Action
Families Moving Forward Shelter Guest Spotlight. Written by Dylan Novacek – Content Specialist
“In my mind I knew this had to be a temporary thing. You had to have a positive mindset, or you could lose it,” Paige beamed. “My biggest goal was to stay focused. I was determined to not be here for long. No one wants to live out of their comfort zone.”
Walking into Beacon’s Families Moving Forward (FMF), Paige knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Looking at her three kids by her side, she was determined. Without a stable home, the easiest of tasks eluded her. Luckily, Paige and her family would find supportive ground at FMF.
“When I first got here, I was bawling for the first few days,” she paused. “I was able to stay afloat thanks to the support I experienced here at FMF. Every day with my case managers, I felt their love and positivity. Having someone else believe in you goes a long way.”
As an African American woman, Paige felt the weight of roadblocks created by years of systemic racism. Despite the hard days, she was always a goal-oriented go getter. As her case managers encouraged her while also providing their partnership and the resources, Paige took the lead and never looked back.
“Working with my case manager Vang was outstanding! We worked together so I could build credit and learn financial literacy. She took me out driving. She helped me keep a level head,” Paige reflected. “I had three kids looking at me every day. I had to make something happen.”
Stability fosters ability. Using the toolbox of resources provided by FMF, Paige found her footing and pushed forward to make sure her family had a safe place to call home. Her goals were simple enough: get a driver’s license, build credit, and increase her income. Marching towards her goals, Paige was well aware of the failing systems that lead too many of our neighbors into poverty and unemployment. Luckily, the team at FMF stood by her side.
“When I first met Paige, she was ready to make big changes,” FMF Case Manager Vang Yang added. “She always approached everything with positivity. Seeing Paige grow during her time in the program has been incredible.”
Walking in this journey together, Vang was inspired by Paige’s growth in the program. A standout moment for Vang came when they were practicing driving together.
“Sitting behind the wheel, she was nervous at first. A lot of things were happening at once,” Vang said, reliving Paige’s first behind the wheel experience. “We would go out driving again and again. She soon got more confident. She improved drastically!”
“I learned that I am in control,” Paige asserted. “You can’t control the things around you. But you can control yourself.”
Working against the systemic structure that blocks too many of our neighbors of color from stability, FMF is an important resource for people when they most need it. Currently, there are not enough housing options for families like Paige’s. That’s why Beacon is creating homes at Vista 44 in Hopkins (pictured), Emerson Village in North Minneapolis and Prairie Pointe in Shakopee.
Creating each home takes $15,000 in private contributions before construction even begins, which means that private donors can have a real impact on the lives of people like Paige and her family. There is a dire need for more affordable housing with supportive services to help families maintain stability. To create new homes, it takes a collaborative.
“Home is having peace and piece of mind,” Paige thought aloud. “If you have no peace, you’re all over the place. You can’t find that just anywhere. You need a home.”
The weather has gotten colder, and lights illuminate each house. Paige is thankful to have a home for the holidays this season.
“It’s great to have comfort during the holidays. Our family cooks, plays cards, and laughs. Being together and spreading positivity is important to us. For Christmas, I want to show my kids that Mom is doing the best she can. I want my kids to know I am being the best mom I can be.”
Looking into 2021, Paige’s goal is to continue supporting her family and growing that support.
“Having our own home gives us a structure and a schedule. We have a routine and we’re moving at our own pace to get everything done,” she said. “For me, having a home means I can do my job as a caretaker and mother. Now I can keep a clear head and stay positive for my kids.”
When someone has the support and assistance needed to navigate the systems adversely impacting our neighbors, the road to stability feels that much easier. It takes $450 a night to shelter and support families like Paige’s at FMF. Click here to learn how you can make a gift and take-action!
