Sponsored Welcoming
This special Welcoming Home was sponsored by a generous group of Cape Marin neighbors and friends.
Sonia was referred to Welcoming Home by Homeward Bound of Marin. She is a single mom with two delightful children: Rosa, age 10, a happy enthusiastic girl, and Jordan, a busy 14 month-old.
Sonia’s commitment to her children is very inspiring, considering the recent trauma the family has experienced. Shortly after the birth of her son, his father became abusive to the children and to Sonia. This caused her to leave the relationship with just a small portion of the family’s possessions; the family ended up living in her car briefly.
Thanks to the guidance Sonia received from Homeward Bound on how to find housing, the family soon settled into an apartment.
Caring for the children and getting them to appointments, etc. is almost a full time endeavor, so Sonia is currently not able to work. She has held several positions in the past, including working as a home support aid for the elderly.
Sonia shared with us that she is very interested in design and hopes to pursue this in the future.
Rosa loves reading to her little brother, along with crafts and drawing. Sonia knows how important the next several years are for Jordan’s learning. She hoped to give him a colorful, engaging room that would help him to overcome his past trauma.
Return Home
When Sonia and her children arrived home, and stepped into the apartment they were blown away with their new living room. “I’ve never seen such a huge sofa like that!” Sonia said.
When we encouraged them to continue down the hall to the bedrooms, 10-year-old Rosa kept gently telling her mom to go first, something the volunteers found very touching.
When the kids saw the playroom they almost squealed. Rosa said, “I LOVE the llama” and Jordan immediately ran over to the Tonka trucks on the new cubbie unit.
Next, Sonia found her room and the calm peaceful vibe the team had created. She loved it.
Finally, a nervous Rosa walked into her own room. She couldn't believe it: all in pink, her favorite color, plus motivational signs, a desk full of art materials and fun books; a special. personal space just for her.
The final excitement came when they walked onto the patio, a previously empty space. It now had a seating area with a dining table where they could enjoy time together all summer long.
We wanted to share a message from one of our first-time volunteers who worked on furnishing this apartment ...
I want to say that yesterday was such a memorable experience. For many of you, you have done this before. But for me, it was the first time that I had experienced the “whole” of it.., first hearing the story of the family, and then…. following the “searches” for furniture, looking for special little things for all members of the family, spending time creating and thinking of them.., and then experiencing how it all came together! I’ll admit I had times where I wondered if it could all be pulled together. But by three o’clock, all the assembling completed, all the opinions of placement had been considered and resolved (and eliminating what didn’t work) and the cleanup was completed. It was magic. It was a home!
Our leaders (thank you) and the team had pulled it off!
I am grateful to have been able to be there for the “welcoming” and to see their shock and happiness.
We should also mention that this volunteer (an artist) also painted a couple of pictures just for the family, including one that looked like the family dog. It was placed over the dog’s dish, so the dog could enjoy it with her meals. She also hand-sewed a doll and doll clothes for the young daughter in the family.
When we say our volunteers are incredible, you see what we mean.
About sponsored Welcomings
"Sponsorship" means paying for the brand new mattresses, box springs and frames; the cost of the movers; the Starter Kit of necessary items that the individual or family needs in the short term, and any needed items that aren't donated. To enable us to help more people, we need more organizations, groups of friends, schools, etc. to sponsor Welcomings.
Click here or contact [email protected] for more information.