Kelly’s Story

“I turned in my keys last night after taking one last look at my empty apartment. I got more emotional about it than I thought I would.

I was leaving an apartment that kept us safe and warm. I was leaving the apartment where my son took his first steps and where my daughter learned to read. I was handing over the keys that had opened so many doors for my family.

My children and I have grown more in the last two and a half years than I could have ever imagined. Warren Village gave us a place to call home, but it gave us so much more than that. I feel like I’ve always had the passion, the tools, and the determination to do big things, but Warren Village gave me the opportunity and the ability to put these things into action.

I am a better woman, a better daughter, a better friend, and a better mother than I was when I moved here. Warren Village gave us the safety, stability, and security that had been missing from our lives. This program has shown me that I am more than just another statistic.

Being awarded housing is definitely bittersweet. I am sad to leave but I am also excited because I know our future will hold great things.

I felt so alone when I moved in, but I was immediately met by people who genuinely cared about the well-being of my children and me, and who were there to encourage me every step of the way. I’ve gained a family that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I am beyond blessed and thankful for this program and for the people who work tirelessly to make it so amazing.

I don’t know where I would be without Warren Village and the advocates here. I have formed bonds and relationships that are the foundation of my support system. I have been able to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for me and my children, and I will now be able to give them the life that they deserve. I’m not quite where I want to be yet, but I am well on my way.

This is definitely not goodbye for me. I plan to become as active as possible within the Warren Village alumni association. My relationship with Warren Village is just transitioning. I am determined to be a successful advocate for this program in any way possible. I can’t wait for the day when I will be able to give back the help that was given to me. I don’t think that I could ever put into words how I feel about Warren Village and what it has done for me, so I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

No matter where we go in life, I will always consider Warren Village “home,” and I will be forever grateful.”

View this fantastic video about Kelly’s journey, courtesy of the Community College of Denver!

Fast Forward: Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication, Kelly was recently selected as one of 20 applicants (out of 2,000) for the 2020 All-USA Academic Team. She also landed the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship, awarded to the highest-scoring applicant in the state of Colorado. Both of her children are still enrolled in the Learning Center and they are flourishing.