Stories
Clients are FAM’s focus and their success stories inspire our work every day.
*In some cases, actual names and photos have been substituted to protect client confidentiality.
From car to careers for Mark & Beth
Mark and his pregnant wife Beth were living out of their car when they came to FAM seeking assistance to become independent again. Beth worked with FAM Case Manager Heidi to build a plan that started with nutritious food and baby supplies.
Mark and Beth were then matched with a rapid rehousing program and enrolled in prenatal classes. Heidi also helped them with IDs, new resumes, job interview clothing, and computer access to job listings. Beth and Mark now have full-time jobs and pay their own rent.
“I want to thank you. If it wasn’t for you, we don’t know where we would be.”
*In some cases, actual names and photos have been substituted to protect client confidentiality.
Regained financial footing for Jack & Betty
Jack is US Air Force veteran with long and distinguished career, but three years after his retirement his wife Betty was diagnosed with MS and later with an inoperable form of brain cancer. They spent their life savings on chemo treatments to extend Betty’s life, eventually losing their home.
Although Jack secured an ongoing housing subsidy through a veteran’s program, he still couldn’t afford Betty’s treatments. They turned to FAM, which provided a plan, budget and funding to ensure they could keep their safe housing and subsidy program. Through FAM’s financial counseling, Jack found affordable insurance alternatives that helped cover most of the cost of Betty’s chemo and help them regain their independence.
*In some cases, actual names and photos have been substituted to protect client confidentiality.
Safety and shelter for Katie & kids
Katie was a victim of ongoing domestic violence and was five months pregnant when her husband struck her in her stomach, killing their unborn child. She fled with her four children, ages one through ten, finding herself without a home.
Katie sought refuge at FAM which provided Katie and her children safe shelter at FAMily House—and now they’re successfully in permanent housing. FAM also found a local therapist who helped the family work through their trauma and recovery, and provided a coach to help Katie secure better and more permanent employment.
“We have never received such love.”
*In some cases, actual names and photos have been substituted to protect client confidentiality.
Homeward Bound Program—Ryan Reunited
An Orange County Sheriff arrived at one of FAM’s San Clemente locations assisting Ryan, a disabled man in a wheelchair who could not speak and who was living on the street. Ryan wanted to go home to Vancouver, Canada, so FAM Case Manager Troy verified the situation and worked with Ryan to build a plan.
After counseling Ryan’s brother in Vancouver to ensure he was ready to receive Ryan, Troy put the plan into action, commenting, “I arranged for Ryan to stay in a local motel, receive meals, and to have transportation to the airport. I then followed up with his brother to ensure Ryan was getting the aid he needed.”
Ryan’s is just one of the compelling stories from the many people that we helped reunite with family this year.
Meet Lorena
"You can't put a price on a roof over our head and food in our bellies, so that took a huge stressor away from me to be able to focus on what our next steps were to survive on our own. I was able to focus on school and going back to work, which allowed us to move into a 3 bedroom house after FAM."
Meet Kristynn
"I was homeless with my 4 boys and had no idea where I was going to go. I am so grateful that there was a safe and clean space open for me and my boys at FAM. If it wasn't for FAM taking me in, supporting me, and encouraging me, I don't know where I would be today."
Meet Kaylaa
"I don't know what I would have done without FAM and they help so many people. It's like finding hope at the end of the rainbow."
Meet Fabian
"We were lucky enough to be guided to FAM. I didn't believe that there was good people, but this is one of the experiences in my life that I will never forget."
Meet Michael
Michael and his wife both lost their jobs and with little ones to take care of their first instinct was to find help. Here at FAM we were able to keep them on their feet and make sure they had the resources to provide for their family.
Meet Maria
"FAM has been helping provide food for my kids and diapers for my grandson. This is a huge help because it is so hard to find diapers in the store."