In 2019, after witnessing her mother endure an abusive relationship, Cynthia found herself in a similar situation. Determined not to repeat her mother’s choices, she reached out to 211 for emergency housing and arrived at Illumination Foundation with her three children during the pandemic. At the foundation, they received housing, therapy, and ongoing support, including in-home visits to ensure they were on track for financial independence. Cynthia, now securely housed, teaches her children that homelessness is a complex issue often requiring wrap-around services. She is now focused on healing and pursuing her psychology degree while providing her children with the opportunities they deserve. “The future looks like me working on myself and being healthy so my kids can be healthy,” she says.
