La Penia Fund

My name is Breanna I am 23 years old and currently residing in the NYC women's shelter, Help Women's Center. I am a recent resident there and this is my first time in system like this. Up until recently I was a substitute teacher. I did some time within the military boot camp training but for health reasons was not able to complete it. I also have a college background and have worked within the community outreach centers throughout my life. As a force of positivity wherever I go I have managed to turn the situation around in which I am living. Where originally I was scared and ashamed I am now empowered and well rested. I would like to the same for others who are in the same situation. This center is a wonderful organization who in just a few days has secured me a job and enrolled me in classes for a home health aid certification after months of trying to find an adequate job in this city unsuccessfully I cannot tell you what a relief it is and I grateful I have become knowing that organizations like this is out in the world bringing order to positivity to people's lives who are need of added support.

In regards to why I am writing today I would like your help in reinventing this center. It has many resources but is understaffed. The staff here works hard to make sure everybody feels safe and comfortable here but cannot do it all. I would like your support in the form of donations to this center and those like it. Simple additions like lounge furniture such as couches, bean bag chairs, rocking chair, throw rugs. I will also use the moment to pay artists who come in and volunteer their time to set up shows for the women here and additional classes. Anything that makes this place feel like the home is it meant to be for those in need. Many women here are battling depression. They feel disenfranchised and forgotten about in this world. To them this shelter is not a blessing but a curse. They do not feel at home here and this displeases them to the point where many may want to stop trying. I would like to turn this attitude around by making this place not a temporary shelter for women but a home in transition.

Please help me to turn this place into a residence of rest and comfort and not a shallow bare bones kind of place. Will add to making our living situation a home, and encourage women to reach out for help when needed. Please help us to banish the stigma against women in help centers all over the world! Thank you.