Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) is bringing together key stakeholders, including more than 100 nonprofit organizations, to collaborate on its five-year plan for Mighty Change to address the community’s greatest challenges in education, housing and homeless, health and hunger, and workforce development.

“Creating Mighty Change is so much greater than any one person or single organization—it takes an entire community and strong partners,” said Emma Garcia, chief community development and engagement officer at Valley of the Sun United Way. One of those nonprofit partners is UMOM New Day Centers who supported Felicia and her daughter, Sapphira.

Felicia's journey wasn't always smooth, but today, she's overjoyed to have signed the lease for her new apartment. It was a long road to get to her new home, one that has been filled with both challenges and change.

Felicia was hesitant to ask for help. “I would tell people not to be scared to ask for help. That was my whole problem. I did not want to get help. I was always doing everything on my own. For a long time, I was in my addiction and not having to worry about a little person and living out of trash cans. I figured it was easier to be homeless.” She'd been accustomed to handling everything on her own, even while grappling with addiction and homelessness.

After being homeless for five years, everything changed when she learned she was pregnant with Sapphira. With newfound motivation, she turned to her mother, who is a mental health professional, for support. She connected Felicia to classes and a sobriety program to help her regain her footing.

With help from her sponsors, Felicia was able to secure a spot on the emergency shelter waitlist. She eventually found a new beginning at UMOM New Day Centers. Under the guidance of her case manager, Sherry, Felicia made remarkable progress.

“She's a great mom. That's the first thing. She is a very, very great mom and she's a great communicator.”

UMOM's case managers serve as life coaches, connecting clients with resources and providing support during their transformative journeys. Though Felicia and her daughter faced health challenges early in their stay, Sherry prioritized their well-being and helped Felicia prepare for independent living.

Felicia tackled every obstacle with determination. She completed a job readiness program, secured part-time employment to supplement her disability support, and continued her sobriety program. Looking back, she encourages others not to be afraid to seek help, emphasizing the existence of resources like UMOM and people willing to lend a hand.

Sherry's admiration for Felicia is unwavering.

“Felicia has done great and she can't underestimate what she's done for herself. I asked her to go to workforce. She went to workforce. Anything when it came to providing for her future, she's done it. She's going to do great. She's going to be good.”

Check out more Stories of Mighty Change at www.vsuw.org/stories.