Since 1984, many faces have passed through Transition House. They are the faces of mothers and fathers, children and infants, all from the Santa Barbara area, all in need of help. They may be scared. They may feel broken… but they are not without hope. Transition House, through it’s supporters in the community and it’s dedicated volunteers, gives them back their hope and helps them rebuild their lives. Here are some testimonals from our past & present clients…..
“This letter gives our heart. Thank you to each person that one way or another supported us. This is a letter that has a sense of a dream that came true, some goals accomplished, and more. Transition House really helps families that are having hard times. We don’t know what people think about this program or what it means for them. But for our family it signifies a lot, and it is an important part of our lives that we will not forget. We cannot find fitting words to express how grateful we are for this program. We, Gerardo and Maribel, worked hard for many years. We were trying to the find even the tiniest piece of opportunity. As soon as we found it, we took it. We were very lucky because the opportunity that we found is called Transition House. We wanted to express our thoughts and feelings to the whole TH board, volunteers, and especially to the staff that worked directly with us.”
- The Vazquez Gonzalez Family
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“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! What else can we say? We lived very happy at 425 E. Cota St. Apt G, but now we are moving onto the next step of our lives. It is another family’s turn to be in the same place we were four years ago. We wanted to leave doing our best as always we tried to do so. Besides sharing our thought and feelings, we wanted to notify you that we will be leaving the apartment June 16th. Thank you again!”
- Sincerely, Gerardo, Maribel, Gerardo Jr., Angel, and Rafael
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“Dear Transition House Staff, Committee Members, and Volunteers: Jeremy and I want to say thank you to each one of you for extending your hand out to us and giving us hope. Everyone of you helped save my son’s life, you believed in us, and gave us the opportunity to get back on our feet, get my son accepted to UCLA Liver Transplant Program, receive Section 8 housing, obtain medical insurance, and much, much more. You showed both of us that you genuinely cared and continued cheering us on through all the ups and downs. You believed in us and one of you was always there when we needed a hug. Each of you has played a very important part in our journey and for that we will be forever grateful. We also want to you to know how much we appreciate being able to continue programming, meeting with our case manager weekly, receiving support and guidance after completing the in-house part of the program. Life is life with all its ups and downs, and it’s not easy but because of T-House we are doing well and will continue to. As the result of all this we have regained our self-worth. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God continue blessing T-House and all who walk through the doors into this miracle of a program (that works if you work it).”
- Always, Kathleen & Jeremy Hutton
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“Dear Transition House,
Thank you for all the support you have given me and my family the last 5 years. We are ready to begin the next chapter of our lives with the tools you have taught us to use.
It is a sad but happy time for us now, to say goodbye. This is my official 30-day notice to leave our apartment in the HOMES program. As you know, our new house is ready to accept us and we can begin the transition from tenants to home owners. We will go through this process responsibly and want to do everything possible to make sure all the T’s are crossed, the I’s dotted. I believe this is the right way to do things as an example to others who will follow after us.”
-Thank you for everything, Tiara DuPree
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“Dear Friends,
I am writing you to express my gratitude for everything that Transition House has given me to succeed and move on to the next step in becoming self-sufficient.
When I first arrived at Transition House in September 2004, I was sick, homeless, and doubtful of my future since my husband was permanently incarcerated. With the tools and support that Transition House has given me, I am now confident that I can succeed to build a stable life for me and my two boys. Transition House is much more than just a shelter as opposed to Casa Esperanza or the Rescue Mission. It is almost like a place to call home. With the peace of mind that I have a temporary residence, I was able to accomplish so much. I have been clean and sober for 5 months, now have hearing aids, a vehicle, over $1,600 in savings, my 5 year old son’s much needed hernia repaired, my tooth extractions, parenting classes, Sojourn, one-on-one counseling, career development classes, access to the resource room, resume building, a wonderful Christmas, and a routine, safe and stable living environment. This has helped me rebuild a close relationship with my children and helped me build confidence and self-esteem.
Again, I am grateful for everything that Transition House and it’s staff have given me, and I would recommend this program to others.”
- Sincerely, Christina Richardson
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“Dear Friends,
I had to challenge myself to care for my family. With no place to go, we went to Transition House. It was clear that we could not continue to make ends meet on Gabriel’s salary alone. I needed to work and help support my family. The caring staff at Transition House helped me through the crisis of giving up my place as a homemaker. They helped me find daycare that I was comfortable with. They helped me see myself in new ways—as a capable job applicant, a successful ESL student, and a woman who could work as a breadwinner alongside her husband. I knew it was hard for Gabriel to accept that he could not take care of us alone. Our case manager gave us support as a couple and helped us through an incredibly difficult time.”
–Maria M.
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“To all Transition House Staff:
Your kindness and your helpful attitude really helped me to overcome some real blocks to my progress. For over two years, I struggled with homelessness and an inability (or perhaps unwillingness) to work, and now I am working so much and am so happy–the happiness I have wanted for years. Your program helped me to remember I am part of a community and that my contribution is necessary. You are all angels on the planet. Thank you so much.”
- Love, Cynthia
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“Everyone at Transition House,
I am truly amazed that I have made it this far in your programs with my family. We are so eternally grateful for everything–your patience, understanding, encouragement, generosity, compassion, and especially just being here helping families in need as you’ve done with mine. We don’t see you as “Transition House” any more. We see you as family. Thank you.”
- Love, Tanya, Monica, Marissa, Raymond, and Oscar Jr.
