“I am blessed and I am excited,” says Terrence. “I thank Room at the Inn for everything they did for me.”
Terrence, a single father with a four-year-old daughter, Taleah, was living with a family member until the home they were staying in went into foreclosure. From day one at Room, Terrence was determined to find a job. Previously employed as a landscaper, he planted flowers in front of Room’s building because he wanted to be helpful.
“Terrence is such a go-getter. He was very helpful with the other clients during his stay,” says Client Coordinator Angela Hamilton. “He has just the greatest personality and was very motivated to find a job so he can take care of his daughter.”
While staying at one of our night sites, McKnight Road Church of Christ, Terrence began talking with one of the volunteers who owns a steel company. Their conversation quickly took a surprising turn.
“At first, he asked me questions about how I got to the shelter, but then he started asking how I would get to work if I had a job … and it started to sound like an interview!” recalls Terrence. “We talked further and he offered me a job as a welder on the spot. Just like that. God is good and I am so grateful.”
The job offer came at the right time since Terrence was transferring to the Salvation Army’s Family Haven program. It is located just one block from Terrence’s new job. Also nearby is Taleah’s new daycare.
“Room paid for the first week of daycare so Terrence could start his job,” explains Program Director Valorie Ferlis. “He was in a real Catch-22 because he couldn’t get daycare unless he was working, but couldn’t commit to a job until he had a childcare plan in place.”
Angie plans to follow up with Terrence and his caseworker at Family Haven to help him obtain stable housing now that he has steady income. Terrence is thankful for all the help and support he received at Room and at the night sites.
“My experience here was great. The congregations were excellent — such good people that welcome you with open arms,” says Terrence. “When I get back on my feet, I want to give back because the clients need it just like I did.”
If you would like to help our clients with their resumes or online job searches, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Matthew at 314-209-9198 or mmatthew@divineprovidencesisters.org to find out more about our many volunteer opportunities.