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Paina Celebration of Success
May 26, 2009
Members Share Their Journey |
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When Tina Rogers came to YWCA, she was overcoming years of substance abuse and was exiting prison. This was a moment of terrifying challenge - she needed to find permanent, affordable housing in Honolulu. It was also a moment of tremendous opportunity - with housing, she could be reunited with her beautiful, 3 year-old daughter, Kalia. Tina found that opportunity at Makiki's Fernhurst YWCA, a unique approach to women's community-style living that attracts travelers, students, and women working to re-establish themselves in the world. Despite a wealth of diversity in their backgrounds, women at Fernhurst share a common desire to be supportive and uplifting to their house-mates. A special YWCA program helped Tina to afford rent. September 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of Tina's move to Fernhurst. Supported by her community, she succeeded to gain permanent custody of Kalia, who's a popular resident in her own right. Tina's challenges are not over - as a single mom, success at work and finding childcare will be daunting tests - but her community will be there for her.
Tina Rogers (3:23) |
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Katherine Pajimola found YWCA's Dress for Success Honolulu (DFS) program just in time. To secure her exit from prison, she had to earn enough money to cover all her expenses. Facing the daunting prospect of multiple job interviews, Katherine didn't have appropriate clothes to make a good first impression. DFS was there for her - she received a beautiful professional outfit and was overwhelmed with joy. Formerly embarrassed about her wardrobe, the gift of the clothes and her exchange with a kind volunteer "personal shopper" helped her to gain self-confidence and employment. After hard work making ends meet - sometimes working two jobs - Katherine has a good paying job working at Wal-Mart. Today, Katherine has her sights set on new goals. She wants to find a permanent home to live with her family, including a son currently serving as a soldier in Iraq.
Katherine Pajimola (6:21) |
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In Dec. 2004, Jessina Fernandez faced the toughest challenges of her life. She had to have her best friend and love of her life arrested for domestic violence and raise her daughter on her own as a single mother. She fought anxiety and depression while working to help her mother raise her siblings, care for her daughter, and manage both school and work. Through these tests to her inner strength, Jessina looked to family, church, and YWCA for support. With help from YWCA's Ways to Work program, Jessina was able to obtain a loan from American Savings Bank to purchase a used car for transportation to school and work. Fast forward to today and this strong Native Hawaiian woman has much to be proud of. She will graduate with her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Leeward Community College and will continue on for her Bacherlor's at University of Hawaii. She works as a cultural educator in her Waianae community. She has paid off her debt, built her credit by successfully paying off two loans from Ways to Work, and is making payments on a third loan. And she continues her journey reunited with her husband, now with their two children a family made whole again.
Jessina Fernandez (3:59) |
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