Our Stories Of Impact

Bringing hope and healing to our neighbors in need through spiritual care, health promotion, education and connecting with resources

Freedom’s Hope has been operating since May 2016. The greatest affirmations of impact are through our stories. Here are just a few of them (names are changed to protect identities).

Justin, homeless and living in the woods. He had lived in the woods for nearly three years. Justin would often come to the center. His heavy drinking became a growing concern for us. We often reminded Justin that we were here to help him when he was ready. One day he came and simply stated, “I am ready”. Justin entered our Intensive Restorative Path. We could arrange detox followed by long-term rehabilitation for his alcoholism. He successfully completed his program and is now employed living in his own home!

Sarah, nine months pregnant, was referred to Freedom’s Hope from a shelter in a nearby city. This shelter did not accept children and Sarah needed shelter where she could bring her newborn upon delivery. Freedom’s Hope, through a relationship with the Allied Churches, shelter for the homeless in Alamance County, agreed to take Sarah. This was Sarah’s first child and a complicated pregnancy. Freedom’s Hope provided transportation to medical appointments and other needed resources. When it became time to deliver, a Freedom’s Hope volunteer was with Sarah throughout the labor and delivery. Through a partnership with a local congregation, Sarah and her baby girl were provided with a baby shower and other essentials. Sarah now has housing and is providing for her daughter. 

Leah was referred to Freedom’s Hope through the Alamance County Family Justice Center. She attended classes and received individual support. Through the classes, she has learned more effective problem solving, improved her self-esteem and better ways of self-care. Freedom’s Hope assisted her with locating an apartment for herself and her four children. Leah has always wanted to be a nurse. Freedom’s Hope supported her as she got her nursing assistant certification and is planning on returning to college in the spring to enter a nursing program.  

Nancy attended classes provided by Freedom’s Hope and individual support. Nancy was living at the domestic violence shelter and had not worked for several years. She showed difficulty in problem-solving and easily became discouraged. The services of Freedom’s Hope empowered her to believe in herself and not give up! Nancy now lives in her own apartment and is employed. 

Rosa, a single mom, was laid off from her job. She paid part of her rent by selling her household items. She received an eviction notice. She was experiencing hopelessness and close to be being homeless. We prayed with her, asking God to give her peace and wisdom. We connected her with a resource that paid her electric bill and FH assisted with the remaining rent. Rosa had many interviews, but no offers. We stayed connected, encouraging her and praying for her. Rosa is now employed full time with benefits.

A male came to our health clinic requesting his blood sugar be checked. He was “just curious” as diabetes ran in his family. Our nurse tested his blood sugar with results of a very high abnormal blood sugar. This participant did not have a provider and no insurance. We referred him to a community clinic for further evaluation.   

A female participant came to our clinic for a blood pressure check. The participant also had a wound on her foot that was severely infected. The participant has a history of diabetes and hypertension. The participant was without insurance or a provider. An appointment was made for the client with the community clinic, where she was seen within two days. The participant was hospitalized and treated for the infection. She returned to our clinic to report that her foot was close to needing to be amputated. Because of our nurses’ quick action and in collaboration with the community clinic; the participant was seen, treated and her foot saved. 

A male participant came to our clinic requesting his blood sugar be taken. The participant reported he was recently diagnosed with diabetes, but had no insurance and no way to get medications. The participant was referred to the community clinic for evaluation, treatment, and medication management. 

Sam came to the center, recently being homeless. Sam had a job but was having many obstacles in keeping his job because of his homelessness. Sam became a part of our Intensive Restorative Path. We assisted him with housing and problem-solving skills. He continues to be employed and able to manage his own rent and expenses.

A female participant approached our chaplain requesting prayer. The participant disclosed she was a substance abuse user and was desperate for treatment. The chaplain brought the participant to meet with our mental health clinician. The clinician provided resources and support. The participant was referred to the Community Health Center, the mental health and substance abuse provider for Alamance County. 

A female participant presented to our clinic with a cyst under her arm. The cyst was draining red and appeared to be infected. The participant had Medicaid and was referred to Urgent Care to have the cyst drained and treated. The participant returned to our clinic stating she was seen, placed on antibiotics and the cyst had healed. 

A female participant requested a blood pressure check. During the conversation, the participant revealed she had a terminal illness. The chaplain and nurse provided spiritual support and prayed with her. The participant has returned to our clinic several times to “talk” and receive support. 

A female participant engaged with our community worker and chaplain. She shared she had recently lost her daughter in an automobile accident. The chaplain provided spiritual support. This participant has regularly sought the support of the community worker and chaplain over the past several months. 

These are just a few of our stories. Many people continue to suffer. With your support, Freedom’s Hope can reach out and care for many more people who desperately need help on their Path to Defeat Poverty.