Deep in our heart, everyone wishes for a home. By home, I mean a place where you belong, are respected, loved and trained to be responsible. My desire for a home has been strong all of my life because my mother gave me to an orphanage. Later, some relatives in Vietnam kept me and treated me like a prisoner. I tried to run away. 

At the age of 14, an aunt adopted me and took me to the United States with her husband and her two young children. I was like a housekeeper for the family. I didn’t mind hard work or even giving up school in the 10^th grade to help take care of her children. But I did need love, a hug, and some encouragement, and there was none for me.

At age 20, I ran away from my aunt’s family because of sexual abuse. I soon married. I trusted that my new husband would love and protect me. This was not so and I endured physical, verbal and sexual abuse for almost 18 years. I was hoping that my two children would have a better life than me.

Finally, I reached the limit of my endurance. With my two girls I ran away to a women’s shelter and from there I went to Bethany House. Can you imagine my fear?  I have no money, no skills and very poor English speaking and writing. How will I care for my children and myself?

At Bethany House my social worker told me about Training Futures.

Of course, I was so excited. I wanted to join the program, but I was certain I would not pass the entrance test. “You will be fine,” the social worker told me. And she was right. I passed the test and began the Training Futures Program.

From the first day at Training Futures I knew I had finally found a real home. What a joy for me after so many years.

At Training Futures, I was taught all of the basics: how to dress properly, answer the telephone, take notes, improve my English, use the computer.

I was taught to be a professional.

I studied very hard, I came to the class an hour earlier, and I stayed after school an hour late to do my work. I learned more than office skills. 

I received love and care from my dearest Susan, Marla and Don whom I respect and love as a mom, an aunt, a sister and a friend to me.

I have been working for seven years as a senior clerk in a finance department of Booz Allen Hamilton. I love my job, my manager, my co-workers, and my friends.

I still hear Susan and Marla’s voices whispering encouragement and advice in my ear. That is the gift of finally finding a home and family at Training Futures where people have believed in me.

To say thank you is not enough. I thank God. May God bless Training Futures forever.