Nobody expects to find themselves homeless and expecting a child—that’s certainly not a situation anyone wishes for themselves or their family. Yet, that was my reality just one week after an emergency C-section, as I frantically dialed the local court, pleading with my landlord to reconsider my eviction. Our roommate had relapsed after a year of sobriety, leaving us unable to cover the rent. Although I managed to scrape together his portion just days later, the landlord refused to accept it, opting instead to sell the house.
In that moment, I felt lost and terrified, unaware of my rights. Sitting on the couch, still recovering from surgery, I was emotionally numb, focusing only on my newborn peacefully sleeping in a Pack ‘n Play beside me. Then, my partner walked in, desperate for a solution.
“Maybe we should move in with your parents?” he suggested, unaware of the reality that would force us apart. My parents weren’t supportive of him, and I knew that even if we went that route, my daughter and I might still need to seek shelter.
During this dark chapter in my life, I discovered a lifeline. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services referred me to Courage 360 (formerly Washington Women’s Employment) in Tacoma, where I enrolled in their ReachPLUS job training program. Courage 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals like me who find themselves in challenging situations, equipping us with the skills and self-confidence to rise above our circumstances.
The staff at Courage 360 were more than just educators; they were compassionate mentors who taught us to embrace our individuality and silence the negative self-talk that held us back. My classmates were also mothers facing homelessness, and together we received support in the form of clothing and food. Thanks to their WorkFirst program, many of us, including myself, secured jobs after completing the course, allowing me to pursue a career I adore.
Despite the skepticism I faced from family and caseworkers who urged me to abandon my aspirations, Courage 360 never wavered in their encouragement. They instilled in me a belief in my potential, helping me to break free from the numbness that had enveloped my life. I still shudder when I recall that day of despair, staring at the wall, contemplating giving up. It was through the support of Courage 360 that I found the strength to keep moving forward.
Fast forward one year, and my life has transformed dramatically. I now enjoy a stable and fulfilling career, have secure housing, and am surrounded by family. However, my heart sank this week when I learned that Courage 360 has closed its doors. It feels profoundly unjust that I continue to thrive thanks to their support while they struggled to maintain their operations. They empowered countless young mothers to rewrite their narratives, so why didn’t more people rally to support them? The injustice of it leaves me feeling angry and confused.
Interestingly, a local pet rescue nearby has managed to thrive, gaining tremendous support and attention through viral videos showcasing their efforts to save homeless animals. While I wholeheartedly support their mission and believe in the importance of caring for animals, it’s disheartening that society seems to prioritize one cause over another, especially when organizations like Courage 360 have had a monumental impact on lives, including mine and my daughter’s.
I wish I could have reciprocated the support I received. We need more nonprofits willing to extend a helping hand to those in dire situations, but they cannot operate without vital community backing. Today, I mourn not only for Courage 360 but also for all the nonprofits fighting to stay afloat while making a difference in the lives of the marginalized. Their efforts may go unnoticed, but they are invaluable, and I hope they understand that their work is far from in vain.
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In summary, the closure of Courage 360 is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of nonprofits dedicated to uplifting those in need. Their legacy lives on through the lives they’ve touched, and it underscores the urgent need for continued support for organizations that strive to make a difference.