When Jane (last name withheld) sought to escape a toxic situation and make a better life for herself and her young son, she turned to Partners in Housing for guidance and support.

Jane hit the deck running when she arrived at Partners in Housing, working hard to achieve her personal and professional goals. She used the public transit system to get around town, was hired for a caregiving job and attended a nursing refresher program to renew her registered nursing license.

Jane’s determination paid dividends as she earned her RN license, was hired to fill a nurse’s position and now earns $47-$48 hourly at a local hospital. As a result, she was able to save money to buy a car. She attended therapy twice monthly during her time at Partners in Housing and plans to continue attending therapy now that she has completed the program.

Because of the support she received from Partners in Housing, Jane accomplished her goals and looks toward to pursuing future endeavors.

“Jane has been grateful for the help she’s received from Partners in Housing and is thankful for our support. She is sad to leave the program, but is happy to start her new adventure. She increased her income while in the program,” said Executive Director Mary Stegner.

Partners in Housing exists to guide families in housing crisis from insecurity to stability, self-reliance and prosperity. It provides one year of transitional housing and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness or imminent risk of becoming homeless with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency. And the Empty Stocking Fund has enabled Partners in Housing to provide these services.

That’s because the Empty Stocking Fund provides resources for 20 local health and human service agencies in the Pikes Peak region on the front lines of helping people in crisis and assisting others in attaining self-sufficiency.

Partners in Housing teamed up with the ESF in 2014. Through the Empty Stocking Fund, Partners in Housing each year serves about 400 people, including adults and children, through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The program includes one year of transitional housing and supportive services complete with one-on-one case management, career counseling, budget/credit counseling and housing navigation services.

“Funds received from the ESF allow us to leverage other funding as we manage revenue to support families with their increasing needs,” Stegner said.

Nonprofits this year are struggling with uncertainties regarding federal funds and priorities, she said. While not heavily federally funded, Partners in Housing is concerned about the funding it receives and plans to replace.

“The families in our program, mostly led by single mothers, are also struggling with finding and paying for child care with the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program funding frozen,” Stegner said.

Partners in Housing uses the ESF support to continue services and continuously improve is offerings as families in the program have new and added needs.

“We are honored to provide recognition and encouragement to donors in the community to donate and help the campaign to thrive and grow,” Stegner said.

Stegner encourages organizations, whether corporate or private, to get involved with the Empty Stocking Fund as funds are matched by El Pomar, and the Bruni and Chapman Foundations so all dollars given grow to even more. All administrative costs also are covered, so 100% of donations go the nonprofits providing direct assistance to those most in need in the community.

Partners in Housing sees the ESF continuing to increase its annual campaign totals over the next five years and will be very proud to walk alongside, and help increase those totals through any methods that we can,” Stegner said.