Hope Is a Powerful Force

Nina* came to LEO at a critical point in her life. She was experiencing domestic violence. With few financial resources of her own, she needed support. LEO referred Nina to HAWC, a trusted local organization that provides care for survivors. That connection helped her begin the journey to personal safety. From there, LEO stepped in to offer stability. Using state funding, LEO was able to assist Nina with her first month’s rent on an apartment. In connection with Lynn Housing Authority, she filled out a RAFT application, which covered her last month’s rent and a security deposit. These combined steps helped turn a rough transition into a fresh start. One difficult day, Nina came to LEO feeling helpless. She confided in Rosa from Community Services, who left her desk to sit with her in private. That is not in the job description; it was a human response rooted in compassion. During that conversation, Nina shared that she was responsible for over $20,000 in IRS debt tied to fraudulent activity her former partner had initiated. Rosa referred her to Jordan who leads our VITA tax program, and he helped her file an appeal. Together, they demonstrated she had no knowledge of the fraud and never benefited from the money. The IRS forgave the balance. Understanding her need for financial independence, Petra, another Community Services staff member, guided Nina to complete a job application and interview for a retail job. This opportunity not only gave her a steady source of income, but helped restore her confidence. Nina’s journey is the kind of transformation that is possible when organizations like LEO are fully resourced. Her story is not just one of survival, but of empowerment. It demonstrates what is possible when partnerships, funding, and staffing are all in place. *Due to the sensitive nature of this story, our client’s name was changed.