“I found myself homeless at 16 years old, living in the young women’s shelter. I was a difficult teenager, going with the wrong crowd and did not have a care in the world. I started going to Operation Come Home because I had no where else to go during the days as we couldn’t stay at the shelter, we had to be out doing something productive. It felt like home, from the staff to the other youth there we were all connected in many ways.
The staff helped me countless times with any situation I endured, from allowing me back into the school program more times than I can count, to offering me the guidance and support I needed. After many years of bouncing around shelters, couches and other living situations I can honestly say Operation Come Home saved my life.
I completed my last high school credit finally, last month. I will be officially graduated at my ceremony in June. I have been able to keep a house rental for 7 years now ! That’s a huge accomplishment for me especially for someone l who didn’t know many years ago where her next meal was coming from or where I would be sleeping at night. I am now full time in college, pursuing a career of my dreams!
The amount of acceptance I received as a confused teenager from the amazing staff gave me hope. There is no judgment from any of you. Just all the love and support during my darkest times. Lynda and Katie helped me so selflessly, whether it was endless pep talks to listening to me cry for hours about how the world was against me. I can not thank them enough! They were a blessing in my life in a time where I needed it most. I will forever be grateful for them.
Operation Come Home is so much more than a ‘drop in’ they offer hot meals, food bank, clothing donations, holiday activities, movie days, school programs, work programs and so much more !!! Thank you all for the many laughs, good times and the endless support. You guys really do not get the appreciation you deserve for all the work you do . All my love”
– Danielle Verdon, 25