Every San Diegan has seen the impacts of homelessness. This year, Solutions for Change is joining forces with San Diego Gives for a 24-hour Day of Giving to solve the greatest needs within our own community. At Solutions for Change, our mission is to transform lives by reuniting families, creating stability and teaching professional and personal skills. Our program empowers Overcomers to address the root causes of homelessness and Crush the Churn for future generations.
See the Impact by Reading Kennisha’s Story
Meet Kennisha, Andrew, and their precious 20-month-old daughter, Aiyla. Their journey from struggle to triumph is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and create a bright future.
Kennisha’s early life was marked by the absence of her father who was incarcerated when she was 2 years old. Growing up without his presence left wounds that, over time, led to struggles with addiction. At the age of 16, Kennisha turned to alcohol to cope, and she lost who she was. She hit rock bottom when she lost her job and started collecting unemployment leading to codependency.
Her life took a transformative turn when her father re-entered her life after being released from prison in 2021. With his unwavering support, Kennisha found the strength to confront her addiction and embark on a journey of healing.
Kennisha’s path to recovery led her to the doors of Serenity House, where she admitted herself for rehab on August 12, 2022—a date that now signifies her sobriety. She wanted to transform her life from the inside out, so she transitioned into the Solutions for Change program, determined to rebuild her life and create a stable environment for her daughter.
Solutions for Change proved to be the beacon of hope Kennisha needed. With newfound resilience and dedication, she accomplished remarkable feats within just seven months: obtaining her driver’s license, purchasing a car, securing her own apartment, and reuniting with her partner, Andrew. Kennisha’s career aspirations also took a positive turn, as she set her sights on a future in real estate, armed with the knowledge and education she had gained during her journey to stability in the Solutions for Change program. She now has the drive and knows she will be successful in her future because Solutions for Change is giving her the opportunity to build a better life for herself and her family.
Andrew’s path intertwined with Kennisha’s in a poignant way. Overcoming his own battle with alcohol addiction, he pursued his recovery through the Casa Raphael program. He then reconnected with Kennisha. Their shared journey of sobriety not only strengthened their bond but also brought them closer together as they worked toward creating a stable and loving environment for their daughter, Aiyla.
As Aiyla’s life became more stable and secure, her joy and happiness was palpable. The stability of her parents’ relationship, combined with her father’s newfound presence, brought her a sense of comfort and security that had previously been elusive. The family’s united front and commitment to healing are beautifully encapsulated in Aiyla’s simple words: “happy!”
With the support of Dennis, Solutions for Change Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, Kennisha and Andrew are also paving the way for their future together. Plans for their marriage are in motion, with Dennis officiating the ceremony. Their commitment to personal growth and the nurturing of their relationship is a testament to their dedication to a brighter future.
We are honored to feature Kennisha and Andrew’s story in our newsletter, not only as a tribute to their incredible journey but as a reminder that with determination, support, and the willingness to confront one’s past, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to a path of healing, redemption, and new beginnings.
Thank you to an anonymous SFC donor who will be matching every dollar donated up to $5,000!
Additionally, San Diego Gives will be hosting Matched Giving Hours at 11am and 4pm. During each of these times, $10,000 will be available in matched funding, up to $250 per donation until the $10,000 opportunity is reached.
Help us reach our $15,000 goal!
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