Paying it forward
Listening to Abby share how she came to JFS is remarkable. Ultimately, her story is a testament to strength and resilience, especially when given the opportunity to succeed, and that’s where JFS comes in.
For 28 years, Abby built her business, raised her child as a single parent, and paid her debts. However, due to a series of missteps and challenges, she found herself homeless, living in her car at night and spending her days trying to find work in the library. “I know how to be smart. I’m very resourceful because I had to be, and I was safe, doing the best I could,” she shared. “I liked the independence that I had my own car, even though it was a horrible way to live.” (Previously, Abby slept in a shelter, but after a frightening experience, she was determined never to return.)
Abby kept her situation to herself. “That really was the worst part of all—that I had so much shame around it and denial, which is a survival tactic,” said Abby. “I have amazing blessings in my life, but at this point, I was kind of like, ‘your luck is running out.’ I realized I was trying to be too independent, and that is when I contacted Melissa at JFS Boulder.”
Director of JFS Boulder, Melissa Mascareñas, worked with Abby to connect her with resources in the Boulder community, and JFS provided financial assistance for housing and care management services. Abby is very motivated to gain complete independence. While she no longer receives support from JFS, she is still enrolled as a client and can receive care management if necessary.
Abby now lives in a safe apartment and is restarting her business, and she’s very thankful for Melissa and JFS’s help. “I’m in a very good place to tell you the truth, and so that's a miracle. I'm only telling my story because I believe I need to give back. I need to pay it forward because my life is already turning around,” shared Abby. “I never thought someone like Melissa would come along and Jewish Family Service. If it weren't for Jewish Family Service, I wouldn't be where I am today.”