Testimonials

Imagine your dream student - someone who is bright, inquisitive, kind to others, and comes to class eager to learn. Well, that is Koffi. He first came to my ESL class in May of 2014. He had only been in the United States for about 6 months at that time.

For many people, those first 6 months can be overwhelming and hectic, but Koffi’s spirit is indomitable. He came to class every night ready to learn and in a short time he found a job. Even after a long day of working hard, Koffi would come into class with a smile on his face. He greeted his fellow students with a smile and was ready to learn.

After being in the country for a little over a year, Koffi decided he would like to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). He took the initiative and researched his options before deciding on the program at HACC.
Koffi continued with his English studies right up to the time his CNA class started at HACC. I was sorry to see him leave, but so happy for him.

In June of this year Koffi graduated from the CNA Program at HACC. We are all so proud of Koffi. He has been such a positive influence on all of us, staff and students alike. It is impossible to look at Koffi’s smiling face and not want to smile right back, he is that full of kindness and hope. I am so glad he was my student and I feel certain that he will do even more amazing things in the future.

- ESL Instructor

Tiffany starts her story by openly stating that the first 39 years of her life were a waste. She spent all of her time drinking, which was her way of coping with the many let downs in her life.

Fearing for her life, a friend convinced Tiffany to check herself into a 30-day detox program. Upon completion she entered the Evergreen House program. While this was not her first choice, Tiffany ended up residing at Evergreen House for seven and one-half months.

Tiffany credits Evergreen’s staff and their patience with her eventual success in the program. Evergreen’s staff understood what she was going through and eventually became like her family. The Evergreen House program provided the structure and support she needed to maintain her sobriety.

Tiffany credits Evergreen House for a second chance at life and she is determined to have a positive impact on others.

- anonymous

A 19 year old woman left an abusive relationship with the infant’s birth father and was interested in making an adoption plan for her 9 week old baby. She was unemployed, close to being homeless, did not have a car or driver’s license and she felt that her daughter deserved two parents who were ready and equipped financially and emotionally for parenthood. Emma’s birth mother was placing Emma’s needs before her own feelings. But she had bonded with Emma and knew it would be extremely difficult.

Emma’s birth father was informed of the adoption plan and initially opposed it. But he realized that adoption was the best plan for their infant. Catholic Charities worked with the birth parents to choose the adoptive family.

Catholic Charities was able to provide grief counseling to Emma’s birth mother upon finalization of the adoption. As part of the openness agreement, the birth parents receive pictures and letters four times a year.

- Anonymous

A single father and his two pre-teen daughters resided at the Interfaith Shelter after separating from his wife and gaining custody of his daughters. Unfortunately, he lost his job and could not afford his housing expenses.
The family relocated to the Steelton-Highspire to be closer to extended relatives, in the hopes of obtaining employment. Due to a lease violation, they were only allowed to stay for a limited time frame.
With no other options they sought shelter at Interfaith. This father worked diligently to seek employment and accepted a position at a local gas station making minimum wage so that they could save for housing. The family was accepted in the Brethren Housing Association’s Fast Track Program, which provides temporary rental assistance and housing to homeless families who demonstrate self-sufficiency and stable income.
After leaving the shelter, he found permanent employment at a casino in the Pocono’s.

- Anonymous