Donna came to the Samaritan House pregnant after going from place to place after she and her boyfriend were evicted from their apartment for financial difficulties. At the same time, her ex-husband was trying to get sole custody of their 4-year-old child.

“Clearly, Donna had made several very poor decisions,” reported Jean-Ann Washam, executive director of Appalachian Outreach, Americans Helping Americans^® partner in Jefferson City, Tennessee, which operates the Samaritan House for homeless women and children in Appalachia.

But thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans^® and the dedicated staff at Samaritan House, Donna was able to put together a set of goals to help her get on a better path.

In addition to making and keeping appointments with her doctor , she had to look for work, which, with her doctor’s approval, she was able to do. She found a job at a nearby gas station that had had a “help wanted” sign in the window.

With funding from Americans Helping Americans^® for Appalachian Outreach’s job readiness program, Donna was able to purchase a few shirts with collars and a pair of skid-proof shoes which were conditions of her employment.

A short time later, an even better job offer came through at a local factory which paid much more. Donna and her boyfriend, who had been living with his parents, found a mobile home they would be able to rent shortly before the birth of their baby girl.

“Our hope is that Donna will resolve the many issues she has had and will make changes as needed,” said Jean-Ann. “Thank you Americans Helping Americans^® for allowing us to have the funding to help women like Donna get back on their feet and have a fresh start.”