Support Raphael House families today
In my time as the Executive Director of Raphael House, I’ve seen countless success stories come to fruition as a result of your generous support. Today, I want to share a story about a former resident who has moved out and built a new life and career after Raphael House.
After leaving an abusive situation, Yolanda became a single mother to her two daughters, aged two and four. She was determined to find a safe place to stay. That’s when she was connected with and moved into Raphael House.
At Raphael House, Yolanda found a place where her family wasn’t just housed; they were supported. Not only did her family have a private room fully equipped with a toddler bed and baby crib, they also had the help of our Children’s Services department and a case manager. When speaking of her case manager, Yolanda shared, “There were times when that was the only support that I had.”
Yolanda was surprised to find that Raphael House didn’t feel like the homeless shelter she imagined. “My two girls loved it there,” she recalls. Raphael House “never missed a beat” with holidays and birthdays, and she was grateful for one thing above all: “I didn’t have to go to my kids empty-handed.”
Our Children’s Services program connects with children of all ages, providing them with birthday gifts, back-to-school supplies, and one-on-one tutoring. Parents can rely on Raphael House to support their children holistically, helping provide scholarships for extracurricular activities and summer camps, too. At Raphael House, we know every child is full of potential and promise. With your support, 100% of students in our intensive tutoring program not only improve academically but also grow in confidence and socio-emotional skills.
Because Yolanda knew her kids were in good hands, she was able to develop a strong relationship with her case manager as they worked together to build her financial independence. They encouraged her to apply for a prestigious job, and Yolanda was initially hesitant. “I felt really intimidated. I felt like I wasn’t competent enough for the position,” she said, “but my case manager pushed me hardcore and encouraged me to apply.” Together, they overcame the “overwhelming” thoughts in Yolanda’s head, and Yolanda successfully found new employment.
At Raphael House, we understand how loud the voices of doubt can be in our residents’ heads. That’s why 100% of families at Raphael House receive financial literacy services, including access to savings plans and career counseling. Last year alone, 93% of clients in our Career Development Services demonstrated improvement in goal-setting, self-advocacy, and positive self-outlook.
In the years after Raphael House, Yolanda participated in our Bridge Program because, in her words, “Not a lot of places provide aftercare support.” Through our programs, Yolanda knew that she could ask Raphael House for assistance (from career counseling to holiday gifts). She recognized an unmistakable truth, that “sometimes you can’t do it on your own,” and knew that Raphael House would be there to support her.
Now, Yolanda has come full circle in her career, working in the Bay Area with people who are looking to make the same positive change in their lives. Yolanda mentors people who are entering the workforce after being on public assistance in Alameda County. When talking about her career, she said that “social services has had a heavy mark on her life,” and she is working to empower local families while also studying in a paralegal program at UC Davis. Yolanda’s oldest daughter is currently in college at San Francisco State University, studying forensics and (in her mother’s words) is “really passionate, and is doing really well.”
Yolanda’s extraordinary journey is one of many to come from Raphael House. Over the past 54 years, Raphael House has served over 10,000 families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. Last year alone, we served 200 families through our Residential and Bridge Programs, and in our shelter plated over 14,000 meals for our residents. Your gift can help families like Yolanda’s receive what she calls “a supportive safety net so that you can get and stay stable.” Please make your gift today to support families like Yolanda’s.
Thank you for your support of our Raphael House client families!
With appreciation,
Tina Burgelman
Executive Director, Raphael House
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