When AP entered the Providence Foundation’s EHV program, she was unhoused, moving between shelters, and difficult to reach not because she didn’t want help, but because years of instability had taught her not to trust systems that had repeatedly failed her. She was raising her autistic son while carrying the weight of childhood abandonment, trauma, and the daily uncertainty of homelessness.
Everything changed when she arrived at Providence.
From the beginning, her case manager, Marisol Mayorga, understood that trust is currency, the most valuable resource in any healing or housing journey. Marisol didn’t rush Aurora or treat her like a case file. She showed up consistently. She listened. She honored AP’s space. She built a relationship rooted in dignity and cultural responsiveness. And slowly, Aurora responded.
With that foundation of trust, AP began participating in Providence Foundation’s Empowerment Series, Pathways to Promise: Reclaiming the Life That Is Yours, facilitated by Dr. Lakita Long. Through sessions on Healing Resilience, Moving Forward, Inner Strength, and Celebrating Progress, AP found a safe space to stabilize emotionally, regain focus, and begin imagining a future she once believed was out of reach.
As her confidence grew, AP identified two major goals:
- Finding the right school for her son
- Securing employment to build independence
With Providence staff walking beside her, especially Marisol and case management supervisor Robyn Bell-Brannon, who provided ongoing support she accomplished both. Her son is now enrolled in a school specializing in autism‑supportive learning, a place where he is seen, understood, and thriving. AP secured employment at the new Dave & Buster’s in Oakland, where her natural ability to connect with people has made her a standout team member.
When AP shared concerns about food insecurity, Providence responded immediately. Through our partnership with the District 10 Community Market, she now receives free monthly groceries, ensuring consistent access to healthy food. She also shops at The Providence Boutique, empowered by the Providence Foundation, where she receives free professional and everyday clothing essential support that helps her succeed at work and additional Woman-to-Woman support to ensure she shows up with confidence in all aspects of her life.
Today, AP describes herself as “a new young lady” with a renewed outlook on life. She credits the resources, guidance, and unwavering support from Providence case managers Marisol and Robyn for helping her rebuild stability, confidence, and hope. But the truth is deeper: AP did the work, Providence made sure she never had to do it alone.
Her story is proof that when trust is honored, when dignity is centered, and when staff show up with heart, families rise.