Our primary mission at the Daily Planet is to enable homeless or near homeless individuals reach a level of self sustainability. For many of our clients, we realize that goal can be ambitious. But with the addition of new leadership and the development of new programs at the Planet, we’re seeing a much greater success rate than in years past. In 2004, Project Strive had 129 participants and of those, 113 graduated (an 88-percent success rate). Nothing brings more joy to the hearts of Planet staff than seeing one of our clients make it on their own. Here are the stories of two individuals who have managed to turn their lives around thanks in part to the Daily Planet.

Numbers served in 2008-2009

Penny

Penny is a 44-year-old mother of four, recovering addict and convicted felon, who came to the Planet with an eight-grade education and very low self-esteem. She became homeless on May 8, 2004. Two days later she was referred to the Daily Planet to seek shelter. Here’s her story:

On Monday the 10th of May I was referred to the Daily Planet to seek shelter. I was referred by Central Intake to Caritas for shelter, and then referred for case management through the Daily Planet. After completing the Intake procedure I was given information about the Project STRIVE education and job-training program, and told about the GED program. I began the Project STRIVE program on July 19, 2004 Graduated on August 20, 2004 and entered Paid Internship on August 23, 2004. Through the Project STRIVE program I was able to build up my self-esteem and sharpen my employment skills. During the Project STRIVE paid internship I gained on the job training, after feeling that I was too old to become employed I felt better about seeking employment, which in turn helped me to start my life. On October 29, 2004 after 8 years in and out of homelessness and incarceration I obtained my own apartment. Within 30 days after obtaining my apartment and volunteering with the Caritas program, I gained part-time employment working with the program. Through my continued success and STRIVE, my visitation with my daughter increased from one time each month to every weekend. I now have my own apartment and have two jobs. With the new direction of the executive director Peter Prizzio, opportunities that I thought I could never have become a reality.

Penny

MR. C

Mr. C. came to Daily Planet from the Tidewater area in April of 2004. After two days of living on Richmond’s streets and realizing he needed shelter and a job in order to survive here with no family, he came to the Daily Planet where he was immediately connected with a case manager. Through case management assistance he moved into shelter and began attending the life skills and recovery groups.

In May 2004, Mr. C entered Daily Planet’s Project STRIVE job training program. Through job readiness training, life skills classes, and case management support, he began to improve his circumstances in many ways. When he left the Tidewater area, he had lost contact with his family. Within three weeks of entry into Project STRIVE program, he was reconnected with his family. Upon completing the classes in June, Mr. C entered into eight-weeks of paid internship, providing him with work experience in various positions at the Daily Planet.

With the assistance of the Vocational Specialist, along with the skills he learned and his drive and determination, he was able to secure several part-time positions, enabling him to enter the 12-month transitional Program at the Freedom House. His continued contacts with his family have given him the additional emotional support he has needed to sustain his success.

He now holds a full-time job, and is able to save money toward more independent housing. Mr. C still utilizes the Daily Planet health care clinic for medical services and maintains contact with his case manager and Project STRIVE staff to support his continued success.