Before coming to Hildebrand, Arianne was living in the Days Inn Hotel with four of her children. She made the choice to transfer to Hildebrand because she knew the environment was not good for her children. On her advice to new families entering Hildebrand, she said, “Appreciate it, follow the rules, let the staff guide you, follow directions to get where you want to. It’s easy – at first I was lost – Hildebrand made such a huge impact.”

“My experience with EA shelter was less than memorable prior to being placed here at Hildebrand. Since I’ve been working with Marc, I see a tremendous difference in how people who care about their clients, and their willingness to help make such a meaningful difference in the quality of life. Not only here in shelter, but well into the future. Everyone’s outgoing positive attitude is contagious and motivates me to do the best I can to help myself and others around me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have been placed here. I really just wanted to thank the people who have helped me in such a short period of time. It has been a long journey.”

At first, she says, “I was scared because I had been through this process once before…the kids were very aggravated and stressed from all the instability.” But she said, with the help of Cristiano, “I learned how to deal with different situations, and I can present myself in a respectful manner. I can deal with life on my own terms.” While at Hildebrand, Robyn enrolled in Hi-SET (GED) classes, completed Cambridge Savings Bank budgeting workshops, and “learned to advocate for myself.” Robyn and her two children successfully transitioned out of shelter and moved into permanent, affordable housing.