Upward Transitions has been a source of hope and relief for families in Oklahoma County for almost 100 years. For Amanda, it became a place of compassion and a guide to resources when she needed them the most.
When Amanda first reached out to Upward Transitions, she “didn’t know it was for something other than the homeless.” While Upward Transitions does serve those who are homeless and on the verge of becoming homeless by providing case management and stabilizing resources to meet basic social needs, the ultimate goal is to assist individuals and families to reach their potential with the ability to support themselves and contribute back to their community.
As someone who had been in a domestic violence situation, she turned to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to start looking for support. DHS gave her a list of resources, including Upward Transitions. “I was not asking for a pity party,” Amanda shared.
As many of the homelessness prevention clients, Amanda never thought she would find herself in these circumstances and was looking for a little hope. After an initial phone screening, she met with Upward Transitions Case Manager, Scott Love, and within the hour he had her feeling hopeful.
Amanda appreciated that she had found a place without judgment as she worked to find safety and sustainability for herself and her children.
Upward Transitions was proud to count Amanda as a success story, working her way to a new sustainable life, with a new place to live, and a new job when, unexpectedly, the COVID-19 crisis left her unemployed again.
Amanda lamented, “I wanted to do this on my own, then boom this happens.” Sometimes you just wonder, “What else am I going to do?” Because of the support she had received from Upward Transitions something told her to reach back out.
Upward Transitions is now working with Amanda again and guiding her during this unforeseen time of unemployment. With assistance to pay her rent, she is looking to the future. “I can’t even put into words how I feel.” Upward Transitions is “remarkable,” she shares. The Upward Transitions team goes “above and beyond” to strengthen the community.
After talking to Amanda, you can’t help but feel inspired and hopeful. She is taking on the world one day at a time, with an attitude of hope and a spirit of gratitude. We, at Upward Transitions, are honored to journey with amazing people like her every day.