About Friend, Inc.: Success Stories

Stephen contacted Friend in crisis, no longer able to financially maintain his household. Through case management, Stephen learned to better budget his income, while continuing on his educational path. Stephen also availed himself of our food pantry services. Ongoing home visits with his case manager and a budgeting volunteer offered Stephen support and guidance as he moved to a living situation both more affordable and more convenient to his transportation needs in attending college.
Robert contacted Friend in crisis, having left his native state for a new living arrangement which fell through, and now facing homelessness. Through case management, Robert was assisted with basic sustenance and with assistance in reestablishing connection with people from his home state. Together Robert and his case manager formed a plan for job searching in a return to home. His case manager secured bus travel home at no cost to Robert and assisted him in getting to the departure terminal.
Terry contacted Friend, Inc. after disability had impeded her employment and consequently her income. Case management services began with ensuring her basic needs were met through pantry services. Friend, Inc. was also able to fit Terry with a volunteer to assist her in budgeting and filing taxes. While involved in case management, she was given support and encouragement as she resolved past trauma via counseling. Her case manager also helped her access a medical assistance program for workers with disabilities, and assisted her in refining her plans to return to the workforce. Once Terry had secured a viable employment opportunity, Friend Inc. helped her with the costs of moving . Her case manager helped her ascertain information on various resources in her new area, including food pantry, heating assistance, vocational rehabilitation support, and counseling.
…..Once we had acquired the tools we needed through Friend’s referrals and services, we were ready to try standing on our own two feet... We now have so many tools for life, tools that assist in communication, dealing with problems, confronting problems, and being proactive in our choices. Friend helped us while we were unable to help ourselves. They provided support we could not find elsewhere, and they gave us acceptance, assistance, and most importantly of all confidence……Five years later, after we were shaken up by an unplanned pregnancy, we have 3 beautiful daughters. Allen has a full time job at a local business, I have a job as a preschool teacher and have been provided a scholarship through my employer and PACCA to complete an associate’s degree in early childhood. We own our own home….life is NOT perfect, it doesn’t need to be ..but whatever life throws at us…. we can overcome it