Today, Jennifer found out that she was approved for an apartment. She is moving in one week. This news comes along with receiving her CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and starting her new job. She says she could not have imagined this outcome just a few months ago.

Jennifer didn’t have any easy start to her life. Her childhood was one of hunger and abuse. As an adult, the pattern of domestic violence continued in her life until she fled her relationship and home. She chose homelessness over the abuse.

Diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD, she knew she was eligible for disability assistance and mental healthcare, but she could not get that help without identification.

When she sought assistance at City Rescue Mission, they referred her to Upward Transitions to get her birth certificate and State ID, so she could get the help she needed to get on her feet again.

She was able to get her SSDI assistance and temporary housing while she started her therapy and began to finally heal.

Now, as she takes her first hopeful steps toward independence, Jennifer says she is truly happy and can see a future for herself in her new job and home.