The Dark Cloud is Lifting – Cenaca’s Family Journey
Cenaca grew up in Illinois. Under-employed, she and her two young sons found themselves homeless. She wanted to find a place in DuPage County to be near her mother, who has increasingly been experiencing health problems and needed Cenaca to take her to various doctors’ appointments.
“Between caring for my mom and kids, I was literally running myself down and didn’t know where to turn to improve our lives,” Cenaca shares.
Cenaca had a hard time finding employment that would pay her enough to afford an apartment. They slept in motels or her car until she learned about DuPagePads.
“At first I had a lot of fear and anxiety about sleeping in the shelters with my boys who are 7 and 10 years old. However, we were impressed with the volunteers and overnight sites, and my boys seemed to think of it as an adventure.”
Ceneca’s past continues to present challenges to her finding employment and stable housing for her family. “Another challenge I have is my background. I had an offense in 2010 that is still hurting my record.”
DuPagePads assisted Cenaca in finding an apartment and through the agency’s Housing Now program, Cenaca’s family was provided with the first month’s rent and security deposit so they were quickly able to move in an apartment. The program also requires a year of case management to assist clients in maintaining their housing and working toward their goals.
“Oh my – I was so ecstatic when I found out that we were moving in! My boys love having their own rooms.
Now I’m closer to my mom, so I can easily help her.
Even though I have a job, I’m working with DuPagePads Career Employment Solutions to find a better care
er. I’m looking into getting my record expunged and one day I’m hoping to own my own business.
I feel like the dark cloud that has been over my life has been lifted. My boys and I are now frequently laughing and smiling.
I am continually moved to tears by the way DuPagePads has helped me…The bottom line is that DuPagePads is awesome!”