A Client’s Story

A Fresh Start: A Grandmother struggles to raise 4 grandchildren after the loss of her daughter.

My name is Mary Alice and on October 9, 2008 my daughter Valerie was killed by a drunk driver.  For my husband and I, our lives changed forever.  Her loss was devastating.  We were left without our daughter and her four children were left without a mother in their lives.  We were filled with so much pain and anger.  My husband and I took the kids in and have been raising them ever since.
We were struggling to pick up the pieces, not only for us but for our grandchildren.  I had to work extra hard to make sure we would all be okay.  The loss of their mother was unbearable for the children and I didn’t know how to help them on my own.  It was tough not having all the answers.  That’s when I found Family Outreach and I realized I didn’t have to pick up the pieces on my own.
I thank God everyday for their free array of services.  I was feeling hopeless until I learned what Family Outreach could do for me and my grieving family.  My husband and I could take parenting classes, marriage counseling, individual counseling, and the kids could receive play therapy at no cost.  Without these services and the supportive counselors we would be lost.  It would be hard to deal with everyday life with out their help.  The counselors are so understanding and supportive to each and every one of us.  The counseling was very much needed in order for my family to cope with our loss – and it is a process we are still going through to this day.
The help didn’t stop there.  Family Outreach has also provided the children with food, clothes, school supplies, and has aided us during the holidays.  I am forever grateful.  The children say Family Outreach is “our second home” – and I agree.  I don’t know where we would be if it wasn’t for their unwavering support.
We are so grateful for Family Outreach and the caring staff to be in our lives.  Each of us looks forward in being here as long as we need to be.  It hasn’t been easy but thanks to the help we’ve received, my husband, myself, and our grandchildren have hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Thank You,
The Leal Family &
Children

A Fresh Start: How a single mother overcame depression and followed her dream.

My name is Sadia Nuhu and I come from Ghana, West Africa.  When I moved to Corpus Christi I was a single mother of one daughter, age 8, and attended college as a full time student.  I had a part time job working for the Trio Student Support Services as a peer mentor.  However, my main source of income came from financial add loans, grants and work study programs.  I was a low income parent struggling to make it in a new country.
I began to realize that I was quite overwhelmed by my efforts to improve my life:  attending college, raising a child and working.  I had no transportation and getting around was taking a toll on me.  Without a support system of family and friends I was alone and life was weighing me down.  With no one to talk to without feeling judged, I started to feel that there was something wrong with me and my self esteem and confidence plummeted. I was losing hope fast.
That’s when I found FOCC and began attending the M.O.M.S. support group where I made new friends.  Sharing my experiences with the other mothers who could relate to my circumstance made me realize I had many issues bottled up inside.
FOCC provided me with free counseling services every week and I began to understand that there are indeed struggles in life but there are also ways to cope and rise above any obstacles.  The counselors were supportive, understanding, and dedicated to helping me rebuild my self esteem and confidence.
I was also provided a mentor to speak to who has successfully raised three children of her own.  She is my pillar of strength.  Since meeting her, my daughter and I have spent Christmas and most holidays at her house.  She is like a mother to me and gives me the family support that I had been lacking.  With the guidance of my counselor and mentor I have been able to defeat depression and I am once again full of joy and hope.
The generosity I received from FOCC did not end there.  Clothing, furniture, school supplies for me and my daughter have all been provided by FOCC.  When my computer broke down I did not know how I would complete my school assignments, FOCC immediately came to my aid, relieving me of all the stress and worry.  To my surprise they donated a minivan to me and my daughter.  I was truly blessed.  It was the best thing that happened to me that year.  I never imagined that such a special act of kindness could touch my life so deeply and help me accomplish my dream: to get a college education.  The staff at FOCC believed in me.  They gave me the hope, tools, and resources to fulfill my dreams.
FOCC has done more than words or time will permit me to express. I sincerely assure anyone considering donating money or resources to help this organization support the programs they offer, can rest assure that their donations and support will surely change the life of someone like me for the better.