Client Stories

In a Home of their Own in Less than 30 Days

Crystal had a full-time job and a new dependable car, but she just did not have enough income to save for a deposit on an apartment. She needed her own apartment away from her husband for her own mental health and spiritual life. “I couldn’t be in a situation with verbal abuse anymore. I made the choice to find resources to help me move on and for the well-being of my children.”

The resources Crystal needed were located at Mission SOLANO’s Bridge to Life Center. She went through the intake process to move with her children into a Bridge to Life Center family apartment, setting goals and embracing the rules and structure.

Crystal experienced the love of our staff, having benefited from the weekly Monday and Friday family food bags she received from our Community Outreach Center for the past eighteen months. “They prayed with me and made me feel safe. They are willing to give you hope and peace of mind … if you’re just willing to receive it.”

At the Bridge to Life Center, Crystal received everything see needed to reach her primary goal of finding a safe, clean apartment. Her three young children, ranging in age from 7-years-old to 5-years-old played on the new playground while Crystal read books. They would look forward to the daily hot meal, provided most evenings by volunteers from the local community.

“One time the family that brought dinner stayed and talked with us. The mom, her daughter and her granddaughter fellowshipped with us and the granddaughter played with my children. That was a Sunday afternoon we will not forget – it was a great blessing.”

Another highlight of Crystal’s time spent living at the Bridge to Life Center: just following the rules. “All the staff were always willing to help us. All they expected from me was to follow the rules. It was easy to be stable, because I’ve learned to make the best of what I have.”

It took only thirty days for Crystal to save enough money for an apartment deposit, and today she is in her own place with her three young children along with her pregnant 17-year-old daughter whom she welcomed back to the family in their new home.

Crystal looks back on what Mission SOLANO did for her family with joy and pride. “They blessed us with stability and consistency. We were supported with everything we needed. Dinners, toiletries, flexibility with my work schedule. I knew I could make it on my own, but I needed help for three weeks. Without the Bridge to Life Center, we wouldn’t have our own apartment.”