Client Stories | AFC Website 2022

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a journey for nina

Nina is not too shy to explain how she transformed herself from drug addiction into a productive and fulfilled member of the community, not to mention a great mom. Read her story.

a journey for nina

Nina is not too shy to explain how she transformed herself from drug addiction into a productive and fulfilled member of the community, not to mention a great mom. Read her story.

a journey for nina

Nina is not too shy to explain how she transformed herself from drug addiction into a productive and fulfilled member of the community, not to mention a great mom. Read her story.

client stories

When graduation day comes for one of our clients or families, it’s a time of mixed emotions. We are sad to see them leave our program as they become friends, and we value the inspiration they give us to learn more and improve what we do.

But our overwhelming feeling is joy! It is such a pleasure to congratulate clients for their hard work in finding employment, landing a permanent place to live, starting a budget and a savings plan, and moving on to a rewarding future. To witness the changes each person undergoes is uplifting.

Here are a few stories our clients want to share with you.

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ELI, leanna, and a new challenge

When families seeking help from AFC have been torn in two by substance abuse, it is especially challenging to support them in the program while ensuring their path forward is in step with AFC's policies. The case management plan needs to be customized, with clients agreeing to meet all milestones. Eli and Leanna did just that, achieving self-sufficiency and reuniting their family while staying on a journey to recovery. Read all about it!

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housing and healing: shari's story

Shari left a violent marriage behind, but still needed to find the courage to take a stand when her ex refused to return Shari's younger daughter after a visit. A team of professionals helped with the custody issue, then AFC helped with housing, skill building, and people to assist Shari to heal. Find out how this little doll fits in through the link below!

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Meet the amazing calla!

Calla successfully completed AFC's program, then suffered a setback that had her drinking heavily again and living in her truck. She made her way back to AFC for additional support, and just a handful of months later...what a change! Calla is sober, happy in a career-level job, thrilled with her apartment on a lake, and ecstatic about her new little blue car!

Read about this amazing turnaround in this wonderful Anacortes American article by Nick Johnson.

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a journey of hope

Savannah and Sebastian both came from difficult backgrounds. After finding each other and struggling to get on firm footing as adults, the couple found they needed to trust AFC to help them create a strong foundation for today and tomorrow.

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GUESS WHAT KELLI IS DOING!

Kelli got on AFC's radar at just the right time. After a string of challenges and losses, she was ready to change her life. She landed a spot in one of our affordable housing units soon after coming to us for help, and a job opened up for her at AFC as well.

But the streak of good fortune wasn't over--learn what Kelli is doing this summer!

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focus, determination and luck

At 56, Lisa came back to Washington determined to rebuild her life. Though she'll tell you "a bit of luck" was involved, Lisa put in the effort needed to move through AFC's Emergency Shelter program to a new life standing on her own two feet.

dawna's determination for the win

Dawna has some advice for others who may be struggling with lives that are less than stable, "never give up." That attitude has taken her from homelessness through the Anacortes Family Center's program and finally to a home of her own in La Conner.

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The Second Time's the Charm

It may have taken a couple of round trips between California and Washington, but Brie and her daughter Athena are now here to stay. And they just landed a home of their own!

Brittney has the life she wanted

Brittney never gave up on the idea that she would give her children a healthy, consistent home life even when old patterns got in the way. Read how this determined young woman created stability for her family with help from AFC.

WAITING A LIFETIME FOR A HOME

Rickey's rough start in life did not prepare him well for adulthood, and he found himself living mostly homeless for decades. Now, he's a resident of AFC's Landing Apartments. Read his story here.

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A FRESH START FOR SEVEN PEOPLE

Not content with what the future was looking like for her and six children, Zatasha packed everyone up in the car and came west. After a short stay in our Emergency Shelter, all seven people are thriving. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith!

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Rachel finds her compass

Leaving an unhealthy situation in another state, Rachel combined her capabilities and strong resolve with a little help from the staff at AFC. She says, “Through them, we were able to settle into a home and find our place in the beautiful city of Anacortes.“

Amber creates her future

Amber was introduced to drugs by her mom when she was just a girl. Now Amber's building a healthy family with her own daughter, cheered on by friends and supporters from local non-profits including AFC.

Cadence and Caleb thrive

Cadence and Caleb have been through quite a bit in their young lives. Read about this couple, their two beautiful children, Nicholas and Gemma, and all the plans and dreams they have for the future.

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authentic ashley

Now that hurtful relationships are behind her, Ashley is enjoying a new life in Anacortes. Read how this client sailed through AFC‘s program and created a future to look forward to.

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Lessons from craig

Having experienced living homeless in Seattle for several months, Craig shares his story so other can learn what it‘s like. Now that he‘s on a good path, Craig wants to help everyone.

a journey for nina

Nina is not too shy to explain how she transformed herself from drug addiction into a productive and fulfilled member of the community, not to mention a great mom. Read her story.

ever-resourceful samantha

Samantha probably doesn’t fit most people’s image of someone who doesn’t have a home. Learn how this capable wife and mother found a path forward for her entire family.

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