Success Stories

Single Mom Gets Back on Her Feet

Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) is a United Way Partner Agency that helps build Strong Families by providing health services, monetary assistance, permanent housing, and transitional housing for homeless families. The seven apartments at NSO’s Martha’s House offer transitional housing for up to two years for families who have experienced a traumatic situation. Martha’s House residents receive assistance with healthcare, transportation, counseling, childcare, and even savings plans. NSO’s goal is to provide each family with the skills and resources to become self-sufficient. Katie is just one example of NSO’s success.

Katie arrived at Neighborhood Services Organization with her two young children while going through a difficult divorce to escape abuse. While at Martha’s House, Katie has found a job and gotten help with transportation and childcare. She is taking NSO’s “Life Skills” classes, learning to be independent and provide a safe home for her kids. She has gained a positive outlook as she looks forward to owning her own home and car.

“Had you or I seen Katie on the street, we would not have known that she was homeless,” said Stacy Ninness, director of NSO. “The face of homelessness is not what most people picture, it is everyday people like you and me that have come across hard times or bad circumstances.” With the help of United Way, Neighborhood Services Organization is able to provide people like Katie with the resources needed to regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.