“I feel at home being a part of BBI.”  Facing housing instability with a baby girl on the way, Danielle knew she needed help. While working a job making barely enough to survive, Danielle took the brave step to seek help and better opportunities for herself and her daughter. In preparation for the new role that she would soon own, Danielle enrolled in BBI’s Homebased program. This program provided Danielle with services to support her mental health and her long-term career goals while preparing for motherhood.  Over the course of three years, she received valuable tools and resources to aid her in her journey as a new mother as well as an introduction to BBI’s Workforce Development Parent Internship program. For the first time, Danielle was introduced to the possibilities that lie ahead for her while receiving essentials skills and resources needed to reach her career goals.

It was while studying to become a home health aide that Danielle received the call that she had been desperately waiting for. “We have a spot and we’re hiring!” Danielle shares that call was a turning point which changed the trajectory of her life. With her daughter now enrolled in BBI, she had access to therapeutic services for herself and her daughter. She also took part in BBI programs and support groups. Being a part of programs such as Parent Cafe served as the connector to the village she was desperately in search of as a new mother. From thrift shopping dates to grocery shopping, and birthday parties; Danielle began to build a sense of community among women in similar life situations. She no longer felt alone. 

Today, Danielle is a mother of two girls and a programming administrative assistant for BBI. Danielle’s youngest daughter is thriving as a BBI Scholar while her oldest is a part of the inaugural class of scholars enrolled in the BBI Alumni Support Network Program. Through this program Danielle and her daughters will continue to receive advocacy resources beyond graduation that will support family objectives, housing, education, employment, mental health, and childcare. The support and opportunities Danielle received has motivated her to pursue higher education at Prince Georges Community College studying Human Services. Her newfound love for helping others is a testament to the transformative power of organizations like BBI in the lives of individuals and their communities. Danielle's story is a reminder of the importance of support networks and programs that empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.