Meet Gemma. She was born and raised in the Coachella Valley to a family deeply drug addicted. By the age of thirteen, she was also involved in gangs and drugs. When her three children were taken away by Child Protective Services in 2006, she made the decision to go to Hemet for rehabilitation. After a year and a half of rehab, she relocated to Perris, California to restart her life, where she could get away from her former life and could stay clean.
“I was living in Perris for three years prior to coming here to Martha’s Village. While living there, I was left homeless due to my husband’s deportation to Mexico. I was left alone at home with my three children; still working, but unable to pay for my rent.
“My husband was of great help to me because he would not only work but would help me with babysitting, during the time I went to work. So, having him gone was devastating to me.” Gemma and her children followed her husband to Mexico for an entire year, but made the decision to return to the desert. Why, with all the risks? She returned for the safety and support that Martha’s Village had to offer.
”I not only was able to offer stable housing to my family, but also provide three nutritious meals through the help of Martha’s Village. I was also able to find education, attain reliable transportation, support groups, employment, case management, guidance and structure.”
In June 2010, Gemma obtained her GED and in July 2010, she bought a car. She was hired by McDonalds, then on November, 9th was hired by Del Taco as a supervisor, with more hours and higher wages while maintaining her sobriety for over four years.
In the future, Gemma plans to continue working in a full time job, and would like to go back to school in August to be a dental assistant. In a year she will start looking for affordable housing for her family after graduating from the dental assistant program.
Gemma adds, “I would like to thank Martha’s Village for helping me and supporting me to get through day by day challenges. Thank you!!”
Update: Gemma is now working at a dry cleaner in Indio on a full-time basis, with a higher wage and more hours. Soon she will by moving into her own apartment, thanks to the help of the Rapid Re-Housing Program. She’ll move out with savings, a car, a roof over her family’s head and peace of mind.
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