Teena is thankful that an entire community—you—cared enough to offer help and support when she and her children were homeless, and she’s thankful that at a crucial moment in her life, she encountered Solutions for Change.

Years of personal struggles left Teena and her children homeless and at a crossroads four years ago. She knew something had to change.

“I didn’t know where I was going to go. I had five kids who needed me and I had exhausted all of my options. Then someone referred me to Solutions for Change and I made the call to set up an appointment.”

Teena had taken the first step of a remarkable journey. She was soon in Solutions University, the unique Solutions for Change 1000-day program that equips residents with the knowledge, skills, and resources to permanently end their homelessness.

“They Genuinely Cared”

“After attending a few resident meetings, I was sure I was in the right place. These people genuinely cared about all of us and our families, and were willing to give me a chance at a great opportunity.”

Teena dedicated herself to being successful and re­building bonds with her children, family, friends, and community. She had help at every turn, from Solutions mentors and from community members.

One of those community members was Amanda Bergara. Amanda, from North Coast Church, came to Solutions to start a Women’s Growth Group. Teena was one of the original members, and became involved with not only the group, but also the church. There, she reconnected spiritually in a way that complemented and accelerated her efforts at personal growth. Amanda proved a crucial contributor to Teena’s success.

Another Major Turning Point

Another major turning point for Teena was being offered a job at Datron World Communications, where she is an electromechanical assembler. The job was far more than just a job. It was an expression of trust in her as a person and a validation of her success. And it was also an outstretched hand from the community, an invitation to re-engage and assume her rightful place. She eagerly accepted.

What Teena found at Datron was a group of people who were dedicated stewards of each other and of their customers. It was unlike anything she’d previously experienced, and it made her realize the importance of being part of a close, supportive community. She now had three such communities—Solutions, North Coast Church, and Datron.

A Community Goal

This community contribution is at the core of Solutions’ success. Solving family homelessness is a community goal; Solutions for Change is the method and means by which the community implements its vision and achieves its goal. From philanthropic support to personal involvement, from individuals to faith communities and businesses, the community contributes many things in many ways.

The result is a uniquely successful program. With the strong encour­agement and backing of all the communities in North County, Solutions for Change is leading people like Teena from home­lessness to success, and from dependence to indepen­dence. Today, Teena is a proud graduate of Solutions University. She has a daughter in college and her other children are all in school and making college plans. She has a job that supports her and her family, a home for her family, and she is a tax paying citizen rather than a consumer of public resources.

“Thank you, Solutions, and thank you, North County.” says Teena.