When my wife and I arrived at the RAIN TLC on 12-17-14, we were fighting a CFS case and were living in a motel. Our four children were taken from us due to the unacceptable living situation we were stuck living in, not because we were bad parents. We arrived with $200 in our pockets and backpacks with our only belongings. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with open arms and love. It was nothing like we expected; we were grateful. Since CFS knew we were at the RAIN TLC, we were immediately given overnight visits with our children and a few weeks later, our children were placed back with us. My wife and I could not believe how things were changing for us for the better.
We immediately developed a case plan with our Case Manager and we attacked it full force. We were assigned therapists and send to meetings to better ourselves. It felt like a lot to handle but the plan of this program is to get you ready for the real world, and that’s exactly what they do. Believe me – it is not a vacation, its preparation for the real world. I was already employed but would not have been able to keep my job without the help for this program. As for my wife, RAIN really helped her. She couldn’t read or write, so they started with tutoring, and then sent her to Goodwill Job Club to learn how to become employable. Now she can read, write and has a permanent full time job at Goodwill.
We arrived with $200 and with the help of this program saved up to $12,000 in only six short months. We paid various debts, addressed our evictions, purchased a car, and I obtained my driver’s license. Not to say that our stay here was perfect, would be an incorrect statement. We came across a few bumps in the road, but not once did RAIN turn their backs on us. They helped us every step of the way. I have never been one to ask for help or believe in programs like this. I am stubborn and maybe that’s why we ended up here. But the end of the day, this program saved my life, my relationship with my wife and the lives of my children.
As of today, I am holding the keys to my new 2 bedroom apartment. I still have $3,000 in my bank account, and I am ready for my new life to begin. For anyone reading this letter always remember that RAIN is not a permanent residence, it’s a transitional living center that was created to help homeless families get back on their feet and give you a chance at life. So use this program for everything that its worth and you will make it. Because if a person like me can do it, then trust me when I say, anyone can do it.