From Surviving to Self-Sufficient: How a $3,500 Grant Helped Poway Mothers Rebuild Their Lives
At the Poway Community Foundation, we understand that escaping domestic violence is only the first step. What comes next, finding stability, regaining independence, and rebuilding a future for yourself and your children, requires consistent, practical support. That's why we awarded a $3,500 grant to Soroptimist International of Poway in support of their Transitional Housing Program.
Soroptimist's twelve-month program provides a safe, stable environment for victims of domestic violence, operating five two-bedroom apartments in Poway. The program is designed to move women and their children from dependency and abuse to a safe, self-sustaining life through housing, mentorship, and financial assistance. This grant funded essential technology, laptops and printers, to help families take the next steps toward independence.
The impact was immediate:
Mothers gained reliable access to tools for job searching, resume writing, and communicating with employers.
Families could manage benefits, access online services, and complete required program documents from home.
Children had the technology needed for schoolwork, tutoring, and homework assignments.
Families reduced stress, transportation costs, and reliance on public computers and limited library hours.
One mother secured a remote job. Another was able to attend counseling sessions via Zoom.
The women in the program shared what this support has meant to them:
"Having reliable access to a computer has allowed me to complete job applications, update my résumé, and communicate with potential employers. The printer has reduced a lot of stress and saved both time and our transportation costs. These tools have given me more confidence and control over my day-to-day responsibilities."
"The girls are able to use the laptop for their schoolwork, and the printer allows us to print out their homework and assignments. I'm able to search and apply for jobs more easily and stay organized with important documents. Having these tools at home has made a big difference for our family."
"Thanks to your generous support, I can complete and attend several counseling sessions through Zoom and support my family with a remote job. My nine-year-old son is able to complete multiple tutoring opportunities using the laptop and printer. My family and I can educate and positively influence our standard of living."
These are not small wins. For families rebuilding from trauma, access to technology can be the difference between dependence and self-sufficiency, between isolation and connection, between falling behind and moving forward.
At Poway Community Foundation, we are proud to support Soroptimist International of Poway and the mothers and children who are doing the hard, courageous work of starting over. Their stories are a reminder of why community investment matters.