But Sonia and her family's circumstances haven't always been so bright. As she explains, "I've been struggling to get on my feet for a long time." Finances have always been very tight for her family, making it difficult to keep up with rent and bills. Then a few years ago, Sonia's husband was killed in a drive-by shooting - a crisis that was difficult for all of them to deal with, especially the children. "It was tough for them to lose their dad," she explains. As they struggled to return to a normal life, Sonia and her children moved around a lot.

For a while, they were sharing an apartment in Daly City with some roommates, but Sonia felt that the other residents were not a good influence. "It was a bad environment for the kids," she explains. Sonia and her daughters moved in temporarily with her mother, but that meant three families sharing one small apartment, not a sustainable living arrangement. Unable to find an affordable apartment, Sonia went to the Daly City Community Services Center, and got a referral to Shelter Network's First Step for Families program in San Mateo.

"It made such a difference to have a roof over our heads - it really helped us keep our heads up and believe in our self-worth," Sonia comments. Since Sonia already had a job, she continued working while they stayed at First Step, saving her money toward first month's rent for an apartment. Victoria, age 10, and Holly, age 11, stayed with Sonia at First Step and went to school, while Cynthia, age 15, lived with her father during the week and visited on weekends. The supportive environment at First Step helped their family get back on their feet. As Sonia explains, "At First Step, they were there for anything we needed. And most importantly, they treated us with respect."

Realizing she needed a long-term plan to support her family, Sonia enrolled in a real estate certification program at City College of San Francisco, where she was working. Because they were doing well at First Step, Sonia's family was accepted into Shelter Network's Bridges program, which provides subsidized rent and case management for parents and individuals completing job training programs. Sonia secured a below-market-rate apartment in Redwood Shores, and she and her daughters moved in just before Thanksgiving.

With their own apartment and a secure plan for the future, Sonia and her children were able to return to a stable life. She explains, "To have a home means security - that's really important. My kids feel safe now that they have their own room." Victoria and Holly thrived in their new home - their grades in school went from C's and D's to A's and B's. Holly joined a basketball team and the Safety Patrol at her school, and Victoria started babysitting for her nieces. And with a home, job, and education, Sonia says, "I'm really making it - paying my rent, utilities, credit card bills, everything. Now it's just a matter of finishing my classes and getting my certificate, so I can get a good new job."

The key to her success, says Sonia, has been setting goals and working toward them with determination. "You've got to keep on your goals and vision," she explains, "and you have to be willing to 'walk the talk.'" Her biggest motivation has been creating security for her children. As she comments, "I think the most important thing is being good to your children. Now that I've got our financial situation under control, I can focus more on being a good mom." Watching Holly and Victoria laughing and playing together, she comments, "I'm really blessed with these kids."

As for the future, Sonia hopes to start working soon as a realtor, and someday to own a house for herself and her daughters. And as soon as she can, she wants to start giving back to the community that has helped her. She explains, "It's truly a blessing for anyone to come here and receive the gifts I've received. It's been that extra hand I needed to help me pick myself back up." Someday she'd like to start a program to help single mothers who are struggling to provide for their families, and she also plans to support the organizations that have helped her own family. "Once I get my certificate and a good job, I want to give back to Shelter Network," she comments, "because I know this program works." As Sonia's excellent academic record, outstanding work, and happy children attest, she and her family are well on their way to a successful and stable future.