From Homelessness to Hope: A Mother’s Journey to Stability and Joy

One year ago today I took this video of Chantel and her children living in dirt. This past Sunday, I had the privilege of sharing Chantel's remarkable story with the congregation at West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (begins at 23:25). That morning, I received a photo of Chantel at a sewing machine, her face radiating pride as she looked at her daughter wearing a dress she had sewn. The joy and pride in both their faces are beyond words. This is the work of GIFTS Rwanda. This is the work of YOU.

I am thrilled to update you on Chantel's incredible progress. Thanks to the funds raised by your support, Chantel and her children now have a safe and comfortable home. Chantel is now employed by GIFTS Rwanda, working as our cleaner. She helps maintain our chicken farm, which provides her family with fresh chickens and eggs. Additionally, she cleans our Multi-Purpose Center and has learned the valuable skill of sewing through our programs.

Seeing Chantel transform her life and that of her children through the opportunities you helped create and you fund is profoundly moving. Please take a moment to view the photos below that capture the positive changes in Chantel's life.

Chantel and her children outside the Multi-Purpose Center, where she works and has learned how to sew.

Chantel's son wearing a sweatshirt we brought last year.

Chantel's daughter holding an egg at the chicken farm her mother maintain's.

Chantel showing garments she created.

Chantel and her six children's new home funded by YOU.

This is my absolute favorite picture showing Chantel (on the left) smiling as her daughter beams with pride and joy in a dress that Chantel made for her.

​Your generosity made this transformation possible, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

Thank you for being the reason this beautiful success story is able to be told.