I’m posting this review because I stumbled across the most recent review and as a current student in the program, I was going to wait until I graduated from the program but feel obligated to post mine now I COMPLETELY DISAGREE with that review and there are many fabrications in the review as well (and NO, STAFF IS NOT MAKING ME DO THIS. No one has any idea I’m writing this. This is by my own will). I know this for a fact there are many fabrications because I have been witness to some and one of the situations she mentioned directly involved me. First and foremost, I’ll start by saying ANY housing/shelter program will never be sunlight and rainbows 24/7. The only thing in this entire universe that is perfect is God and Jesus himself.
Sandy NEVER victim blamed me or my children but rather made me aware and prepared of what was to come next in the process when DCF got involved. In our meeting we had with Sandy, I made her aware of that as we spoke because it was very evident that what was said was highly misinterpreted. I even had a private conversation during case management reiterating this and told her that what Sandy said was NOT what she took it as. Sandy is just the tough “mom” us women need. The only real reason anyone wouldn’t like Sandy is because she holds EVERYONE, including staff, accountable. Some people just don’t like that but it’s needed especially for us moms who are students in the program. Any mom that ever had an issue with Sandy, VICIOUSLY thought they were bigger and better than the program and other women here, which will never be the case. Sandy cares and is there for you when you need her but when you do don’t call, go find her or shoot her a text LOL I promise she’ll get back to you. She can get very busy.
Since Kim, the new program director, came into her position this program has done a complete 180 turn. I was skeptical at first thinking, “well what change is coming now?” But it’s been such a refreshing journey since she’s come into that position. It’s very bold to mention a “dictatorship” and make negative comments about the staff that make this program joyous and disciplined without making a single comment to say about the previous director, which many women including myself I’m sure can write an essay on.
As for Tara, she is a beautiful soul who cares about ALL the women here. You mention anything to her and she will go looking for resources for you or if that resource is right here at the program, she guides you to getting that help you need. Also, any emotional support that you need, Tara is your girl too. She’s always open ears with no judgment.
Now Amy, another beautiful soul. I’m not entirely in tune with the fundamentals of what her job consists of but as the CEO, she has continued to provide for us moms here in the program by helping maintain relationships and gain new ones with our amazing donors which allow this program to run which I’ll forever be grateful for. Without that, we would have no NLM. Amy has always shown us who she is from day 1. She was just like us at one point in her life. She is relatable, kind, and respects and believes in all of us.
For the new moms looking to apply:
DO NOT BY ANY MEANS get discouraged by the previous review. As a current student, I can tell you first hand almost all of everything that was said in that review is false, especially her being fired for “no reason.” I say almost, only because there are some things mentioned that I’m not privy to or witnessed to speak on it. But if almost everything else is fabricated, I can only safely assume the rest is a bit far from the truth as well.
If you want change, support and safety in your life, please apply. Your kids and your life is precious. Treat it like so. I have received SO many blessings being here. The relationships I’ve built here with the women and staff is undeniably true and real. This is coming from someone who has been through it all in and out of this program. Be truly willing to change your life and Start fresh. God is waiting for you here, come meet him 💛🦋
