When My’Quashah first arrived in San Francisco nearly three years ago, she and her boyfriend were hopeful about building a new life. They had come to California for a job opportunity and the chance to experience something new.

But over time, the realities of San Francisco’s high cost of living — combined with the absence of nearby family support — made stability increasingly difficult, especially while raising children.

A few months ago, My’Quashah turned to GLIDE for help through the Journey Home program. At the time, her family was struggling financially and feeling isolated far from the support network they had back home in South Carolina.

“Most all of our village is here in South Carolina,” she shared. “It was very hard to keep a steady income without having the help.”

With support from GLIDE staff, including ongoing assistance and care from Journey Home Case Manager Chazz Medeiros, My’Quashah and her family were able to successfully return home and reconnect with loved ones.

She described being reunited with family and spending more time with her children as the biggest and most meaningful change in her life. “Being able to be around family and have my kids, being able to spend more time with family — that’s the main thing,” she said.

Even after returning home, My’Quashah says GLIDE’s support has continued. Chazz still checks in regularly, sharing helpful resources and information for her family.

 “Chazz is very communicative,” she said. “To this day he continues to send me different things that’ll help me and my family, which I’m so appreciative of, and incredibly grateful for.”

Now back in South Carolina with greater stability and family support, My’Quashah says she would absolutely recommend GLIDE and the Journey Home program to others facing similar hardships.

In fact, before leaving California, she had already referred another person from her apartment building to GLIDE for help.

Reflecting on her experience, My’Quashah offers a heartfelt message to the GLIDE team: 

“Keep doing the good work that you guys are doing. It’s invaluable for those of us looking for our next chapter in life.”