Part of the Family

Rosa* is a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, but she refuses to let those traumas define her life or her future and that of her family. Rosa, a South Florida native, prefers to be known as a good mom to her two sons, 9 year old Martin and 3 year old James, with another child on the way.

Rosa became part of the HEART initiative in October 2013, when the program was just beginning. She is a shining example of everything HEART stands for -- a hard-working, young parent with two jobs, striving to finish her education so that she can live her dream of one day becoming a school principal. She has completed her Broward and Palm Beach County certifications for substitute teaching and is currently working with the Broward County School Board.

HEART has been able to help Rosa and her family by obtaining a housing assistance voucher that ensures they can afford a stable and decent home. Rosa meets with her HEART case manager on a monthly basis as she grows her parenting skills, aiming to be an even more effective mother, mentor and role model for her boys.

Rosa is a very strong, conscientious and involved young woman. Her resiliency and determination are responsible for building better lives for her and her boys.

Always goal-oriented, she has a plan for her life and knows what she wants. Because she is a leader and a doer, Rosa has been an immense influence on the other parents in the HEART initiative. Rosa feels she has been “blessed to have found HEART.” She says, “I consider the HEART team that helps me so much every day a part of my family.”

Thank you, Rosa! We consider you and your boys a big and important part of our HEART family too.

*Names have been changed to respect the privacy of family members.