MOMS STORIES

Tammy’s Story

When I applied the second time to Gilead House in March 2005, I was living at Days Inn.  My life was not going any place.  I knew I had to make changes in order to make a difference for my daughter. 

I went through a court battle to get Allison.  The Gilead House prayer team was praying for me when it was tearing my heart out at the thought of losing my daughter.  The whole staff and my mentor, Roberta, surrounded me with love and prayers.

I have learned so much at the Life Skill Classes. When I moved in, I did not have structure with Allison.  I didn’t have anything together for Allison, no schedule; my full attention was not Allison. Valerie taught me the ‘when-then’ rule that has helped me to parent Allison better.

When I came to Gilead House, my finances were a disaster.  If I had money it would be gone.  Now I manage my money lots better.   Bettye and my mentor, Roberta, helped guide me to freeze the on going interest on my credit cards and enabled me to set up a long term pay back schedule. I have been able to pay off my debt and clear my credit.

First I got a job that didn’t work out. I was never completely certain why my jobs did not work out.  Then the staff at Gilead House put a big team meeting together with all my counselors and mentors to get a long range plan.   I was so excited when I got my job 9 months ago at Costco, and it is the longest job I have ever had.  This is the first time I have ever gotten any benefits with a job, too.

Gilead House has taught me how to be a grown up, given me tools, helped me learn to be more responsible.  I used to get mad and threaten to move out, Gilead House taught me to sit down and talk to them not just yell. I have learned when it gets tough I don’t have to get mad and leave.

Suzan and Cynthia urged me to get my name in the housing lottery.  Although I was number 336, Suzan called every month to see if I had moved up on the list.  Three months ago I knew I lucked out getting my first apartment. 

I knew I wanted to be at Gilead House and was ready to work.  I came in with a little support team and now I have a huge one. Gilead House has changed my life. Thank you for supporting me and other moms who want to change their lives to make a better life for their kids.