Testimonials

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To whom it may concern:

My name is Kyla and I would like to explain what being a part of Hope City Center has meant to me this past year.

I originally met Teresa  Ervin in May of 2013 while serving a prison sentence of 19 months at Homestead Correctional Institution. At the time of my arrest I had my own place, car, job, furniture, and had my family. As a result of my drug addiction I lost it all. I had given up on everything and felt there was no hope. How do you start over at 45 years old? How do you find the strength to move forward? What becomes of your life after prison? All of those thoughts overwhelmed me. It wasn't until I met Mrs. Ervin and her organization, Hope City Center, that I began to believe there was hope for me.

Through the classes, job readiness skills workshops, mentoring, and needs assessments for after prison, I began to be empowered and learn that my life is important and there is always a second chance to turn everything around. The programs gave me encouragement to go forward and to learn from my mistakes and not to see myself as just that mistake. I was released from prison at the end of June 2014 and it has been challenging but positive at the same time.

I am currently working a part-time job, but seeking full-time employment. Without help from Hope City Center and Mrs. Ervin, I would not have been able to purchase a bus pass, hygiene items, or clothing. Also, through Mrs. Ervin’s mentorship I have gained the strength and courage I need to move forward and adjust to life after prison. Mrs. Ervin and her organization have been key factors at helping me complete successful reentry into society. Without the help of Hope City Center I would not have been able to come as far as I have come.

They have truly been a blessing to me and my transition back into the world!

Sincerely,

Kyla,

To whom it may concern:

I was introduced to Teresa Ervin in December 2012 through an in-prison program at Homestead Correctional Institution. I was provided with anger management workshops, job readiness skills, interview techniques, and a needs assessment. 

I was released in August of 2013. Since then, Hope City Center has assisted me with acquiring my identification, providing clothing, resume writing techniques, a bus pass, and mentorship. 

I have been employed as an independent contractor since October 2013. I started as a dental agent selling dental insurance plans. Currently, I am a verification agent verifying applications that have been sold by licensed health agents.

I was afraid of change, facing the world, and of trying to live clean and sober. I really appreciate all the help I have received through Hope City Center. Mrs. Teresa has been a great mentor, and I am so grateful and appreciative of all the support and assistance the program has offered me.

Truly Yours,

Kimberly

To whom it may concern:

I was referred to Hope City Center by a mutual friend in 2014.

My daughter was blessed to receive the following services: interviewing techniques, employment training opportunities, spiritual counseling and mentoring. These services have empowered my daughter to accomplish her goals and objectives. As a parent, Hope City Center assisted me with the support, strength and guidance to support my daughter.

Without Hope City Center our lives had no direction, and because of the horrific situation, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. When my daughter was released, she was terrified, depressed, and unsure of how to start her life over. She had a lot of mixed emotions suppressing her pain, of feeling hurt and powerless. 

She did not know what she was coming home to. Today, she is happy to be home, employed, and reunited with her kids. Because of the counseling my daughter and I received from Hope City Center we have hope and are expecting only the best.

Thank GOD our lives have changed forever!

Thank you,

Anonymous Mom