When Bonnie arrived at The Apostles’ House in November 2024, she carried more than just bags of belongings—she carried the weight of uncertainty, heartbreak, and the responsibility of caring for her six children. The home she had rented in Elizabeth, NJ for nearly three years was abruptly sold by the owner. The new rent exceeded what she could afford, and the family was told they had to leave. With nowhere else to go, Bonnie turned to Union County social services and was referred to The Apostles’ House.

Adjusting to shelter life wasn’t easy. Bonnie and four of her children —ranging in age from 10 to early 20—had to quickly acclimate to the structure and routines of shelter life at our Avon Avenue site. But through it all, Bonnie stayed grounded thanks to the unwavering support of her case worker, Ms. Julia.

“Ms. Julia is an awesome case manager,” Bonnie said. “If it wasn’t for her and Mr. Norman (Residential Aide), I would be all over the place.” Ms. Julia worked closely with Bonnie to secure vital resources, create a plan for her stay, and restore a sense of stability. But her support didn’t stop there. When Bonnie’s eldest daughter needed guidance with college applications, Ms. Julia stepped in—helping her navigate the process and ultimately secure a spot at a local college.

Bonnie participated in group therapy, stayed on top of her children’s schooling, and pursued stable housing. Now, just 6 months later, Bonnie is preparing to transition into a new home in Newark—a fresh start that reflects her determination and the collective support of our Avon Avenue team. “My kids and prayer keeps me motivated to keep moving forward,” Bonnie said.

This Mother’s Day, Bonnie’s story reminds us of the strength it takes to rebuild from homelessness—and the power of compassion to light the way. At The Apostles’ House, we are proud to stand beside mothers like Bonnie, and team members like Ms. Julia, who make transformation possible