Testimonials > Natasha's Speech

Good morning, my name is Natasha and I was once apart of the Family Promise Program. My son Brandon and I moved to Utah on May 3rd, 2007. We are originally from Los Angeles, California. We left LA because I needed to make a change in my life and provide a better life for my kids.

My daughter was currently living at the Job Corp Campus in Clearfield and that's another reason why I moved to Salt Lake so I could be closer to her.

When I moved to Salt Lake my son and I stayed in hotels until we ran out of money, then we went over to the Bishop Storehouse where they provided us with shelter for 7 days. While staying in the All-Star motel, I was on the waiting list at the Road Home. The Road Home's waiting list was long so they referred me to Family Promise.

We were on our last day at the motel and I didn't know what we were going to do. That's when Family Promise said they had a spot for us. I met with Tony and he took me and my son to our first church, St. Catherine's Newman Center, and from there on that's where my new life began!

The Hosts and volunteers at every church we stayed at were nice and kind people. Family Promise had parenting classes for me to attend. The parenting classes were really great and I learned about communicating more with my kids.

I met regularly with Tony for case management meetings. The case management meetings were really great because they kept me focused on my goals, including opening-up a bank account.

Tony helped get Brandon into the Boys and Girls Club for the summer. Family Promise also helped me with schooling for my son. He now attends Jackson Elementary School and after school he still attends the Boys and Girls Club which he loves.

One of the churches that we resided at was Christ United Methodist Church. I made a great connection with this church and Brandon and I now attend their services. The church also has a basketball program that Brandon is enrolled in.

I have recently received a car that was donated to me and my family, and this is a blessing because now I can get to work and school. I work at the Welfare Square Deseret Industries, and I am currently attending Salt Lake Skills Center where I am taking-up CNA (Certified Nursing Assistance).

My hopes are to one day work in a hospital curing the sick and elderly and to provide a house for me and my kids so we can be one big happy family again.

Where I am living now is because of Family Promise. I am residing at …a transitional housing program for women and children.

I am very thankful for all the staff at Family Promise because if it wasn't for them I don't know where I would be! And I thank all of you for being here today and thank you for any support you can give to help families like mine. Thank you.