Unexpectedly, Irina’s husband was laid off. Her family was behind on rent and could barely afford to feed their kids. The apartment manager was ready to evict them.

Irina’s family urgently needed help from the state’s Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS), but they had just cut off her benefits. Irina sent every form that DSHS requested, but they still said no. As a recent Russian immigrant, she spoke very little English and couldn’t figure out what she had done wrong. Irina felt like she had no friends or family to turn to for help.

A New Futures Family Advocate helped her explain to DSHS that everything had been sent in, but perhaps the forms got lost in the mail. The case worker invited Irina and our Advocate to bring in copies, and they re-opened her case on the spot. With help from New Futures, Irina was able to pay rent and buy groceries that day.

DSHS also offered Irina child care if she went to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and joined the WorkFirst program to find a job. Irina immediately enrolled in an ESL class at South Central Community College, and she and her husband soon found work.

With Irina’s family back on track, she wanted to give back to her community and the New Futures site that helped her succeed. She and her two children come to monthly “Family Time” events at our site, where they spend quality time working on projects with neighbors. Irina volunteers with us to help other families in her complex, and her translation services helped one struggling family enroll their child into our after-school program. With Irina’s support, her neighbors will be able to change their own lives like she has.

To read more inspiring stories about the kids and families of New Futures, visit our Story Archives.