Helen is a young professional and only 23 years old. She worked hard and graduated from college with a Bachelor's Degree, and was planning on going to graduate school when her family's life dramatically changed. Helen's grandmother died, and upon her death, her mother's mental illness meant that she was no longer able to care for Helen's twin teenage brothers. With her brothers' futures at stake, facing life in foster care, Helen sacrificied her own future to raise her brothers. She worked two jobs, but it wasn't enough. Helen and her brothers weren't able to pay for the necessities of life, rent, and food. She was looking for a safe place to live when she happened to meet a former CHF resident, who graduated from CHF the previous year. The former resident was so moved by Helen's story that she contacted Connie Zimmerman to ask for help on Helen's behalf.
Helen and her brothers are currently living at CHF. The road hasn't been easy. Her brothers' father suddenly appeared on the scene and insisted on having custody of the boys. Their father had abandoned them when they were babies and they had NEVER met him, so Helen fought for her brothers once again. The court system found Helen in favor and awarded her the sole legal guardianship of her brothers.
Helen is a remarkable young woman who is determined to change the world, not only for her brothers' sake but for others, as well. Although she only moved into CHF in April, 2007, she has already organized and faciliitated a 16 week support group in her home that benefited the other mothers living at CHF.
Metro Denver area (7 counties) and to help them become self-sufficient within 18 months to two years.