Client Stories & Testimonials
SNAP-Employment Training
~Client story excerpt as featured in the Alexandria Times
Faheed Ahmad immigrated from Afghanistan to the US when the Taliban overtook Kabul in August 2021. Upon moving to the City of Alexandria, Ahmad opened a bank account, received work authorization, an ID card and refugee cash assistance. By April 2022, he was an employee at Ross Dress for Less. After working at Ross for several months, he landed a job as a security guard where he went from $12 an hour to $18. He attributes a portion of this success to being well educated, digitally connected and fluent in English, which many refugees are not. Aware of his advantage, Faheed decided to help other refugees. He came to DCHS's SNAP Employment Training Program where he improved his resume and shared his desire to serve others. Four months later, he accepted an internship with Lutheran Social Services, a nonprofit assists with refugee resettlement. One month later, he was promoted to a permanent position as a job developer.
“I have always been made for the social services,” Faheed said. "Sometimes I feel like God is working through my hands. I feel extremely happy. When I come home, I feel very honored, and I take pride that I contributed to the betterment of human beings and made positive changes in their life.” See the full article summarizing Faheed’s life.
Alexandria's Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE)
~Client stories as previously published in DCHS Connect
Alexandria's Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE) is a guaranteed income pilot study that began in January 2023. ARISE provides a $500.00 monthly payment to 170 randomly selected participants for 24 months with “no strings attached,” giving participants freedom to choose how to spend the money.
Meet Michael, a single father who, through ARISE, has been able to leave one of his jobs working nights part-time stocking shelves and spend more time caring for his children, who he now feels he is just getting to know.
Meet Erica, a senior cancer survivor who is now battling a new cancer, and who, thanks to ARISE and her positive outlook on life, has been able to stay in her condominium and has found joy in reconnecting with family.
Meet Cindy. After being laid off during COVID and nearly exhausting her savings, she was randomly selected for ARISE and has been able to launch the small business she spent years planning and saving for.
Meet Alma. ARISE has lessened the difficult decisions she has had to make, like whether to take her son with a disability and her mother who has a health issue to the doctor and not get paid, or skip the doctor and work instead. Alma herself has an unaddressed health issue for which she hopes to be able to seek treatment.
Youth Development Peer Advocate Program
~Youth testimonials
Chloe Yokitis, Alexandria City High School, Peer Advocate
My name is Chloe, and this is my third year of being a Peer Advocate. I joined sophomore year after watching a presentation the Peer Advocates made at the Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference. I was so awed that people my own age were starting conversations around such difficult topics like unhealthy relationships, substance use, and metal health. Once I joined, I immediately felt like part of the group. Not only have I been able to learn and talk to others about healthy choices, but I've met such a kind group of teenagers and adults that have supported me these past few years. This program has really made me feel connected to the community, and I'm so glad I joined!
Jamiya Gray, Alexandria City High School, Peer Advocate
My experience as a Peer Advisor has been a very impactful one, because I have been able to become the leader I am today. I had experiences like different pieces of training (CADCA, KAT Camp, Peer Advisor, etc.), field trips (CIAA, Black & Wax Museum, Grace Play, etc.), and college tours (VSU, North Carolina A&T, WSSU, NSU, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Coppin State University). Last but not least they helped me to realize school is very important, especially since I want to go to college. “Knowledge is Power.”
(Jamiya shown left in red t-shirt)
Yaerelin Molina, Alexandria City High School, Peer Advocate (Shown below in black hat)
Being a peer advocate offers me the opportunity to encourage and guide others to overcome challenges and achieve goals not only individually, but as a community. From a holistic approach, peer advocates are committed to providing a safe space for peers where they feel understood and highly regarded. As a peer advocate, I promote awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage inclusivity within the community. In each moment that I spend with youth, I can build meaningful connections that motivate others to carry on through tough times. In addition, I can offer tools the youth in the community need to pursue their potential and passions. These tools include mental health resources, educational workshops, and peer support. Being a peer advocate helped me understand the importance of building genuine connection and resilience within the community.
More...
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for People Living with Severe Mental Illness
~ Letter of appreciation from a client for the ACT vocational specialist
I am trying to let you know about Christina’s service. Since day one I met Christina she has been good to me... She knows her job well and it is always a pleasure to see her and talk to her on Mondays. She makes my day very happy and smooth... I do thank God for having her in my life. I can’t say more because she is more than my words. We all need good people in life like Christina.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
~ Client vignette
A 19-year-old client came into the Safehouse after experiencing and reporting domestic violence and sexual assault by a sibling. She had no family support in the US and numerous barriers to services including lack of transportation, language barriers and unemployment. An advocate linked her to services including Healthy Family, a public nurse program, WIC, SNAP and TANF. The client was able to successfully transition into a long-term independent living program that will continue to assist her with housing, access to education and employment. With no one to help her, the client has felt extremely appreciative of the services she has received and supported by the providers.
Work Based Learning Program
~ Employer/Partner letter
I cannot speak highly enough about WDC’s Work Based Learning Program and how valuable it has been to our agency. Through WBL, the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA) has had the opportunity to meet amazing individuals who contributed to our organization. They brought energy, enthusiasm, technology expertise, and many left lasting impressions on their departments or implemented systems that are still being utilized. Most importantly, we had an open position with our Senior Center Program. The candidate provided by WBL applied and was hired after her WBL term was completed. ARHA is extremely happy with her performance, glad to have her as part of our team, and grateful to WBL for sending her our way.” - Gaynelle Bowden-Diaz, Director, Resident and Community Services – ARHA
Words of Gratitude from a Client
With love, respect and thanks to you, dear people. Now I am in an apartment that Ms. Mesha (DCHS employee, shown far left), worked hard to provide for me.
I think about when she was driving long distances in winter, for me. Did the other drivers know that an angel has come down from heaven and is beside them? She drove with a heart full of love, a car full of belongings, none of which belonged to her. She took the trouble just to make the other human being, who was me, live better. She worked to show the true meaning of humanity.
Now, millions of people in the world are looking for a cardboard box with a place to sleep in this winter. Finally, I could rest, from her efforts, in a warm apartment and a soft bed.
I am writing my gratitude for all the goodness of all the employees, especially dear Mesha. Admirable, responsible, honest, kind, enduring, praiseworthy spirits… I came from a place where I could only see pain, oppression and violence. So, it is not in vain that my tears flow with all the goodness that I see from all of you. Thank you so much to your parents, teachers and this society that that creates human beings with sympathy and strength.
-Former City of Alexandria Resident (shown right), excerpt from a letter to Mark McHugh, Assistant to Mayor Wilson
Devoted & Courageous Mother and Son
When my son and I came to Alexandria in 2017 after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, DCHS caseworkers received us with a warm welcome, helping us set up the support we needed for my son with Down’s Syndrome and coordinating for him to go to pre-school.
Time passed, and we continued with my son’s services and evaluations. COVID started and we needed equipment so he could learn from home. There was DCHS, helping me through these processes. We are so grateful for all your help and your understanding of our goals. As a single mom, I can help my child grow to be an independent person within his limits.
The quality of employees in DCHS is amazing and you are always there in hard times. My son is a young kid now and he is more independent than before. He can communicate more verbally, too! We love you guys!
Ivette and Ian worked with DCHS employees Juliette Milushev, Eva Statler and Ashley Jones.