She had five children, no coats, no shoes and no place to go. Julie was homeless and out of options when she turned to the YMCA and the Volunteers of America Transitional Housing Program.

When Linda Kimble, the house mother at Transitional Housing, met Julie she knew exactly what to do. She got Julie and her children an apartment in the facility, and she called the YMCA.

“I really couldn’t do what I do for these families without the YMCA. They are like my right hand,” Linda says.

The YMCA Loudoun County provided Julie and her family with coats, gloves and scarves collected during a community clothing drive and shoes donated by Nike. YMCA Program Coordinator Cynthia Zic also enrolled the four youngest children in the Big Friends Mentoring Program, which matches children with adult mentors and provides free group outings.

Even though Julie and her children are in the early phases of Transitional Housing’s two year program, their situation has already improved dramatically.  Linda explains that the program helps families move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.  That transition begins with a shift in attitude, which is already happening for this family.

“Julie is so relieved to be here; she knows this is good for her children and that is what is most important to her,” Linda says. For the children, their new lifestyle provides a sense of dignity and individuality.

Linda explains, “The kids were really in chaos when they came, but now they are self-assured; they are comfortable.” She continues, “I can’t even say in words how much the Y mentoring program has done for these kids. It has allowed them to be themselves.”

In addition to all they have provided for Julie and her family, the YMCA provides life skills programs for all the adults in the Transitional Housing Program, as well as family trips. All of the children benefit from mentoring programs and summer camps. The Y also provides holiday gifts and activities for all the residents and recent graduates.

“People in the community really need to know about all the YMCA is doing. The people at the Y are going to provide for everyone, even if it means going into their own homes and giving what they have. There is absolutely no question that they really care,” Linda says.

For individuals who have spent years struggling to meet basic needs, the programs offered by Transitional Housing and the YMCA make every day easier. “A good day here is when everyone has what they need; a great day is when they get a little of what they want,” Linda says.

No matter their background or their economic status, everyone deserves to have a good day. With the help of the YMCA and Transitional Housing, some Loudoun County residents are enjoying the first of many more great days to come.

Learn more about YMCA Loudoun County’s programs and services or provide support for families like Julie’s.