The Struggles of Transition

Life can change in an instant, a lesson that became all too real for former Coalition resident, Sal. After a lifetime of careful financial planning and hard work, Sal—a senior citizen of Central Florida—found himself facing a nightmare he never anticipated: the loss of his home. Unforeseen medical emergencies drained his savings, leaving him without a roof over his head and nowhere to turn—until Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida stepped in. Sal’s journey began in Miami, where he arrived as a young man fleeing the Cuban Revolution with his family. He worked hard all his life, meticulously saving for his retirement. However, when he retired at 70, health issues he never anticipated—heart problems, spinal stenosis, and other geriatric issues—began to emerge. Medical bills quickly piled up, and despite his best efforts to manage them, Sal found himself in a financial crisis. “I was always responsible, always paid my bills on time. But suddenly, I was in a situation where I just couldn’t keep up,” he recalls. The rising cost of living, particularly his rent, soon outpaced his dwindling savings, leaving him without a place to call home. Sal’s experience underscores the often-overlooked reality that homelessness can happen to anyone, even those who plan carefully for their future. When his landlord increased his rent by $900 a month, Sal was forced to leave his home of four years. With nowhere else to go, Sal turned to a community drop-in shelter, where he enrolled in a three-month program that kept him off the streets. However, as the program came to an end, he faced the terrifying prospect of homelessness once again. That’s when he was referred to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. “The Coalition let me in, and I honestly believe they saved my life,” Sal says. “With my health issues, I wouldn’t have lasted long out there.” Sal found not just shelter, but a community at the Coalition. His case manager, Mrs. Thomas, became his lifeline. “Your caseworker is your angel from heaven,” Sal explains. “She’s the person who takes you by the hand and guides you through the process.” Mrs. Thomas provided Sal with more than just practical assistance; she offered the emotional support and reassurance that he desperately needed. Their relationship highlights the importance of compassionate, personalized care in helping individuals regain their footing. Sal’s story is one of gratitude and hope, but it’s also a call to action. The Coalition is doing vital work, but we need the support of donors to continue providing life-saving services. Sal’s experience shows that homelessness is not just a problem for others; it’s something that can happen to anyone, particularly vulnerable populations like senior citizens. “If it can happen to me, it can happen to other people as well,” Sal warns. He urges potential donors to consider the real impact of their contributions. “The Coalition gave me a second chance at life. Without their help, I don’t know where I’d be.” Thanks to supporters like you, who donate necessary dollars to the Coalition, we were able to help Sal . His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of caring neighbors and crucial programs and services that provide safety nets for those in crisis. Today, Sal has not only found stability but is now residing in an apartment of his own. He says he looks forward to returning as a visitor to connect with his friends at the Coalition and serve as a reminder that if he can get into permanent housing, anyone can.

Della was just 23 years old when she realized she needed to make a drastic change to create better for herself and her four children. To escape a toxic environment and abusive ex, Della hopped in her car and drove eight hours until she hit Orlando, Florida with nothing but her babies, a packed car, and faith. “It was just the environment I was in. It wasn’t good for me. I couldn’t be healthy for my kids, so I needed more.” At seven months pregnant, Della planned to leave her home state of Alabama for a new chance at life. She realized her nursing school had a program in Orlando, and that she could move and continue her education while seeking more. While she knew she was risking it all coming to Orlando without family, friends, or a job, she also knew she was willing to do anything to provide better for her children. “It was all aspects. Better education. Better environment. I wanted my kids to have more opportunities than I did, and...I didn’t want them to see me crying...or just going through stuff with their dad.” When Della arrived in Florida, she spent two weeks living between her car and hotels, relying on UberEats and DoorDash to create small streams of income while she sought stable work and housing. However, when she went into labor early and found her car towed, she was forced to go back to Alabama to seek emergency assistance. Della knew it was temporary, but her goal was still to escape the toxicity of her home in Alabama. After a few weeks, she found herself on the road again—with a newborn baby—heading straight to Orlando with a plan. Before leaving, she researched assistance programs and found the Coalition. She explains, “I actually wrote the Coalition down and a couple of apartment complexes.” First thing Monday morning, Della and her four children arrived at the Coalition at 5AM to secure a spot. After meeting with an Intake Specialist, she was placed into a family dorm in our Center for Women and Families where she was provided a private bedroom with four beds. And after months of bouncing around, her and her boys got to finally enjoy a peaceful sleep outside of their car. The Coalition immediately went to work to assist Della with securing daycare services, obtaining her Florida ID, providing clothing needs, and more. After several months, Della was offered an opportunity to join the Coalition’s Empower Employee Program, which gives individuals with children the chance to enhance their career path with resume workshops, self-development classes, and employability training. After the 10-week program, Della graduated Valedictorian of her class, and found herself re-enrolled in nursing school. Thanks to Orange County funding, she was also granted a housing stipend through the program and a brand-new laptop. “I love the entire program. They will always be a part of my life. It helped me with self-healing [and]...knowing my self-worth. Even though it’s a job stability program, it still teaches about emotional intelligence...with me going through what I was with my ex...I learned so much about myself.” Today, Della is a 24-year old nursing student with drive, ambition, and the same faith that led her to take that leap. She has been interviewing for a few promising positions and has a housing application in review. She says that while the journey has been tough, she knows it will be worth it for her children. “The Coalition...offered three meals a day, a shower, a room with bedding. [It] opened its doors for me and my family to be able to stay here and I’m thankful for that." With your support, we can continue to help mothers like Della recover from life's unexpected tragedies. Donate now .

"When I started down the hallway, I heard some running, and then I heard the word 'fire' and that's when I grabbed my backpack and went downstairs. . .when the fire department showed up is when I actually saw smoke." On Wednesday, February 7th, Jason was one of the 237 men who were swiftly exited out of our Men's Service Center when an unexpected fire broke loose in our 100-man dorm. And while no physical injuries ensued, over 230 men found themselves heartbroken as their temporary home, lit up in flames. For many men, like Jason, the Coalition is a haven, where individuals can get assistance navigating their crisis with homelessness. "For me, it's not just a safe haven...with everything that is provided here...I've been able to really focus on the things I need to." When the fire struck, suddenly shelter and crucial programs and services were halted—completely disrupting our ability to house these men and provide food to everyone on campus, since our kitchen and dining facility were also affected. In the span of a few hours, community partners quickly came together to provide temporary solutions so that the Coalition could continue to provide shelter, meals, and services to all. Lynx busses shuttled over 200 of our men to shelters across the city, and other organizations like Shiloh Baptist Church, converted their gymnasiums into temporary accommodations, which provided over 100 of our men with a safe place to lay their heads. Jason says he was "overwhelmed with the response [from the community]." "They had probably 120 something around their beds. . already with blankets on there. Linens on there. And when we came in, they had dinner ready. It was more than I expected." Thanks to you and our incredible community, we were able to keep men like Jason safe and secure during this emergency. Beds, linens, shower services, meals, and so much more were completely donated to the Coalition, all to ensure that we can keep programs and services afloat. As we continue to wait for the building to be deemed safe for re-opening (currently looking at a minimum of 30 days), we just want to thank you for caring, because it really does mean the world, to us and people like Jason. "Thank you, sincerely, not just for myself, but I know there's plenty of people here that don't realize how much one person can [make a difference]. One person coming in, dropping off a bag of chips can change someone's day....and it impacts all the way down...it does a lot for people. It saves lives." With your support, we can continue to help men like Jason recover from life's unexpected tragedies. Donate now here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/MSCFIRE

Landy had recently joined our Men’s Service Center when his 2-year-old daughter Nevaeh was suddenly handed off to him. With just the clothes on her back, Landy had no choice but to quickly become the sole caretaker of his child, amidst his own struggles. Just a year back, Landy and his girlfriend were first-time parents living in their 2-bedroom apartment in Kissimmee, Florida. But when things in their relationship became turbulent, they decided to separate, leaving Landy to seek shelter elsewhere. Eventually, both individuals began to struggle with homelessness independently. Landy temporarily found refuge in his mother’s home and took Nevaeh with him. He had a few months with his mother before she would need to move, and he would find himself unsheltered once again. During that time, Landy worked diligently to secure additional income and look for resources in the Orlando area. However, when it was time to return to the streets, he returned Nevaeh to her mother. “I’ve always worked during this...but they started cutting my hours...and then I got into a car accident. So, I lost the only transportation I had to actually make extra money and keep me afloat.” Landy eventually discovered the Coalition. He spent a week visiting our Intake and Diversion Center before a bed finally opened in our Men’s Service Center. He felt a sense of relief when he realized he would now be able to work towards his goal of restabilizing himself. A month and a half after his arrival—and days before starting a new job—Landy received the news that Nevaeh’s caregiver would be unable to care for her because of health concerns. Before he knew it, she was handed off and now his complete responsibility. “She was really, really, really, skinny. Once I got her, I noticed her health wasn’t [good].” Once on-site, our Housing Specialists worked quickly to transfer both Landy and Nevaeh into a family dorm in our Center for Women and Families. Within a few hours Nevaeh was given clothing, shoes, socks, and a brand-new stroller; and within a few days she was enrolled in our on-site daycare. “You guys made sure she was in good hands, and she had everything she needed.” Today, Nevaeh is at a healthy weight and now has access to three nutritious meals a day—something that gives Landy immense joy as a father. When she is in day-care, Landy works. He has since secured a second job, and alongside his Housing Specialist, Ana, is working his way towards permanent housing. The father-daughter duo recently shifted into one of our bridge housing units and look forward to the day when they’re back in a home of their own. Reflecting on this time with his daughter and how he’s had to step up as a father, Landy says: “I never had a father figure...that’s why I work to improve. It’s a wonderful feeling being a father. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. My daughter keeps me going. I don’t know where I would be if my daughter was not in my life.” Landy is one of the many fathers that we serve at the Coalition. If you feel inspired to help families like this, consider making a donation today. Donate here: https://bit.ly/father2023

As a single mother, Vanique was distraught when she was suddenly faced with an eviction notice after two months of not making rent. Her hours had been cut in half when her one-year-old son was unexpectedly hospitalized, making it impossible for her to afford living expenses as a single mother. In the same month as her eviction, Vanique lost her job and learned that she was pregnant with her fourth child. Alone and with no reliable family in the state, she had no choice but to do what was best for herself and her kids—and that meant using her last bit of savings to find a way to stay directly off the streets. “I was in and out of hotels, then the hotels got expensive, and I couldn’t afford it, so me and my kids slept in my car.” Despite her circumstances, Vanique knew she had to find a way. She needed a job and found a sliver of hope when she was hired for new employment. Although she had an income to meet a few of her basic needs, she didn’t have enough to get housed. She was still spending her nights in her car, surviving off of cereal bars, and using public washrooms to keep her and her children fresh. “I can tell you about the many times I broke down and cried...not having the roof over our head and all my kids in the car...me being pregnant...all of us having asthma...in the heat...it was horrible.” Amidst her search, Vanique found the Coalition and decided to seek help at our Intake and Diversion Center. After a few hurdles, she was finally processed as a resident and moved into a family dorm. However, it was only a few months before she found herself in the hospital again—this time to introduce her new baby girl to the world. When she returned to the Coalition, she was happy to get assistance with essentials for her and her children. With the help of her Housing Specialist, she was able to access diapers, baby wipes, clothing, shoes, and food for free. And while those needs were being met, she was able to prioritize her search for affordable housing. In a matter of time, Vanique was accepted into our Rapid ReHousing (RRH) program and relocated to one of our bridge apartment units on campus. As part of RRH, she will get rental assistance for up to a year, even after securing her own home. Today, she and her Housing Specialist, Olivia, are working to finalize a contract on a three-bedroom apartment for her and her family. As she holds her three-month-old newborn in her hands, Vanique says that she’s incredibly thankful to the Coalition for giving her strength in her time of need. She also explains how her children have been an additional source of her strength during this time. “I was at my lowest. There were times when I wanted to kill myself. But as a mother and having kids, all you can think about is what's best for your kids...and now with my baby girl...my focus was to teach her to always be independent and strong no matter what the situation is." In any given year, the Coalition serves hundreds of moms like Vanique. Your support helps end homelessness for these families. Will you give today to honor a special mom in your life? Donate today .

Paige was 19 when she got pregnant with her oldest son Trenton. Just three months into a new relationship; she had no idea that she would spend the next 4-5 years tied to an abuser. Born to drug-addict parents, Paige became a product of the foster care system and didn’t have the luxury of growing up in a stable home. When she aged out of foster care, she reunited with her birth parents and shifted between her great aunts’ house and the streets. Her parents became homeless , and it wasn’t until she met her boyfriend, that she gained some relative stability. In 2014, Paige quickly realized that her newfound stability came at a cost. “I was 36 weeks pregnant with Trenton, and I was covered in bruises all over my face and arms...” A victim of severe domestic violence, Paige experienced a mix of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse for years. “They were going to force me to testify against him as a witness...but the day he had court, I was in the hospital giving birth so the judge wouldn’t let them use me and everything he had felony charges for: domestic violence, battery on a pregnant woman, and a bunch of other ones... all got dropped down to misdemeanors because they had no witness.” Through that relationship, Paige became a mother of four children. She went through cycles of leaving and returning out of fear that she couldn’t do it alone. However, after years of abuse and seeing how the domestic violence affected her children, she finally shifted away from her abuser and into safety with a new apartment. In 2021—amidst COVID —Paige was unfortunately evicted from her low-income apartment because of late rent. After years of pain, she found herself on the streets again. And with nowhere else to turn, Paige joined her parents in a wooded homeless community in Kissimmee, where she and her four children slept in a tent for six months. Through a video of the camp shared across social media, Paige’s story was shared, and our Community Outreach team learned that Paige and her children needed a home. In December 2021, Paige finally experienced some relief when she and her children became guests at Coalition for the Homeless . Through the Coalition, Paige has been able to secure food stamps, utilize daycare services while working, and get on track for therapy. “I have the best Case Manager here, Angie! She’s done a lot of referral letters for me. They just helped me start therapy because I need to work on myself. Angie is amazing. I love Andrea (too). They’ve helped me when I needed resources...the same day...I have it.” Today, Paige is not only liberated from her abuser, but she’s also in the process of securing new employment as a teacher’s assistant. Additionally, she is actively working with her housing specialists to secure permanent housing. She looks forward to the day when she and her children are back on their own feet. ----------- Last year, 24% of Coalition residents were victims of Domestic Violence. Your continued support allows us to offer resources and stability to these individuals. Consider giving a gift today . Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar until November 11th, thanks to our Morgan Match Campaign.

It was a sad day when Anglie and her family realized they were officially homeless . In November 2021, Anglie, her husband Leon, and their seven children (ages 5-25) decided to separate to deal with the distressing events that led them to lose their home. Family members could accommodate a few of Anglie’s older children in their homes, but Anglie and Leon had no choice but to take their youngest kids to stay at a local hotel. They spent their days switching between sleeping in hotel rooms and their car. However, things worsened on January 1st, when she and her younger children contracted COVID. While Anglie and the kids were placed in the hospital, Leon—who tested negative—couldn’t be with them, leading to another unexpected separation. While admitted, Anglie shared her family's story with a nurse who offered a list of resources in the area—however, all were at capacity. Eventually, a prayer partner connected Anglie to the Coalition , but due to COVID, she could not visit the campus in person. Instead, she was able to complete the intake process over the phone, and Anglie waited patiently to hear back about availability. "Those were the longest two days of my life." After a few suspenseful days, Anglie was relieved when the Coalition offered to move her and her children into another hotel until they could test negative for COVID. After three weeks, they could transition into our Center for Women and Families . And a week later, they were joined by Leon. At the Coalition, Anglie was assigned a Housing Specialist who helped her get approved for the Rapid ReHousing Program. She applied for several housing opportunities, but before any of them could flourish, her family was hit with COVID again, leading to another round of quarantining. "This was a hard blow cause I had just started back working and things were looking up. It was very upsetting, but I kept going." Without losing hope, Anglie continued to apply to housing leads and eventually scored a four-bedroom home that accepted the Homeless Service Network (HSN) Rapid Rehousing Program. And with the help of her Housing Specialist, Cortney, she and her family moved into their new home on August 15, 2022—free of fear and COVID. “I am so thankful for the Coalition for the Homeless programs and casework Cortney for the help she gave...me and my family have a place to call home again.” >> Thanks to you, we are able to help families and individuals return to stable, permanent homes as quickly as possible. If this story inspired you, donate today .

When Debbie found herself homeless for the second time in her life, she knew that this time had to be different and something had to change. In April, Debbie and her two daughters were asked to leave her home when her landlord decided to sell the property. A victim of severe domestic abuse and drug addiction, Debbie—although gripped with fear—knew this was the opportunity she needed to escape her abusive partner and finally clean her life up. An upcoming doctor's appointment became that opportunity. There, a concerned nurse referred her to the Coalition—providing her with bus passes and the hope that she would be able to regain stability in her life. After a successful meeting at our Intake and Diversion Center, Debbie finally found herself away from the patterns of addiction and abuse, and with a bed of her own. “I’m so grateful. Being here is a blessing.” It was through her time at the Coalition that Debbie finally found the support system that she always needed to get back on her feet. “If you don't have a support system, you really don't have anything. We didn't have a support system." Paired with her Housing Specialist, Cortney, Debbie finally gained access to resources to assist her with her mental health and domestic abuse trauma. In just three and a half weeks, she was on her way back to stability. Debbie not only found her next home, but she also found herself again. When reflecting on her experience at the Coalition, she said “Thank God that this place is up and running. I got my joy back, I got my peace back, I got my self-esteem back. Everything that was lost, came back to life.” Debbie and her two daughters now reside in Georgia, where they can have a fresh start and can continue working to put the memories of their once turbulent past behind them. Full Interview with Debbie Name : Debbie S. How did you lose your house or your housing situation? Domestic violence, and the landlord decided to sell the home. What other circumstances were you dealing with in the year or so prior to entry? Abuse. Physical and emotional abuse. Do you have any serious medical, mental, or health conditions? I do. I suffer from panic attacks, PTSD, and anxiety. Those are the main ones. Have you ever suffered with substance abuse? Yes Do you want to elaborate on any of that? My boyfriend and I were getting hooked on drugs. So, it’s a blessing that the relationship ended the way it did because it was getting out of hand. How long were you dealing with substance abuse? I would have to say since I was maybe 28 years old. So nearly 20 years on and off, I’ve been struggling with it. Have you been the victim of domestic violence? Yes What is it like experiencing homelessness? I was homeless before for 8 months. It’s difficult because you have got to find out where your next meal is going to come from; how you’re going to make the money standing on the street corner, holding a sign. That’s the way that I did it. I unfortunately lost my fiancé. I became pregnant and I was able to get out of this situation, but he wasn’t able to come with me. So, two weeks later he ended up passing away. So that was a really tough one for me to handle. How long ago was that? 2017 is when that happened. The first time you were homeless, what course of action did you guys take? Did you know about the Coalition at the time? No, I did not. No. I had actually called law enforcement on myself, because my oldest daughter was with us and [I wanted] to see if they could help us because I was running at a dead end. I had no other options and the officer said “I’ll be right back” and he came back an hour later and said “you're right, I can’t find any place for you guys to go.” So, he didn’t give you anything? No. And I became a very severe alcohol. Very Severe. My whole first trimester I was drinking and thank God she’s okay, you know? But I live with that guilt (*begins to cry*) my whole life. But I’m just so grateful that she’s alright. But I never stopped looking. I never gave up. Until we ran across a lady who ended up finding a detox center here in Orlando for me. And that's where I ended up going for a couple of weeks. And then I went to Aspire. I was transported to a treatment center, which was Aspire. I was there for three months and then they invited me to come to the home program, which was in Kissimmee, which I lived for a couple of years. And they helped me get the house that I just lost. And how long were you in that house before you lost it? 3 years This time, once you lost this house, what steps did you take? I called law enforcement, of course, because of the domestic violence. I called the cops, and I said “please can you take us to the Help Now Center, because this is what is going on now.” And they took us to the center, where we stayed for a good three months. And they paid for a hotel for us for a couple of weeks and then we came here (Coalition). The same day that we checked out of the hotel room was the same day my daughter had to get surgery to get a feeding tube put in. So, I knew that we were going to stay overnight for a couple of days, so I was going to use that time to look at the resources and everything. And the hospital ended up finding this place. And she says “Here are bus passes. Get over there. See if you can get in.” The first day they told me no, they didn’t have the space. The second day I came they gave me the spot. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how do you feel you overcame it? The biggest challenge definitely was substance abuse. I overcame it by leaving the situation that I was in because he was an enabler, and it was hard for me to stop, when he kept on doing it. And getting rid of him was the main problem. Was being evicted from your home your card to leave the relationship? I knew I didn’t want to be with him anymore and I was looking for a way out. And then it came, and I didn’t look back. What was the most important thing that you think you lost when you lost your home? My self-esteem. My confidence. My happiness. All of those things were gone. What would you say is the hardest thing about being homeless? Not having a support system. That’s so important. So important. If you don’t have that, you really don’t have anything. Honestly. We didn’t have a support system. How does your experience change your perception of people who experience homelessness? Oh wow. Because there’s people out there who don’t want to help because they think that you’re using their money for the wrong reasons. Which is true...some of us are...some of us did...but I just wish there were a lot more people who would help. Because some people were really cruel. They would throw change at you, pennies, and I mean just awful things. If you could describe your experience in one word, what would that be? Traumatic. If you were given a permanent place to live tomorrow, how do you feel that would change your life right now? Tremendously. We’re actually going to be moving to Georgia this Saturday. Cortney was going to help me get back into rapid rehousing and the domestic violence compensation thing. She helped me with a lot of things. She extended herself to try and help to get things going and it was just last week when I decided that, you know, this is probably best for us. Because Florida has a lot of bad memories, and I can't get away from him. He always finds me. If I'm out of state, he can't find me. How have your case managers helped you? Cortney was able to get some clothes for my daughter which were much needed. She also gave me a voucher to go over to a church down the street here to get some outfits. If you could describe the Coalition in one sentence or word, what would it be? Comfortable. Very comfortable. I adjusted very well here. The other clients are really nice and helpful. I mean, especially helpful with my daughter, because she's got a feeding tube in. You know, they help out with her behavioral issues, and you know...they really try to give you a break and it’s really nice to have. How did the Coalition help you? I got my joy back, I got my peace back, I got my self-esteem back. Everything that was lost, came back to life. I’m serious, I’m walking around; I dressed myself up now. Where before, I just was in bed all the time and doing drugs and not taking care of myself. I would go weeks without a shower. That’s how bad I was about myself, I quit caring. My kids were not being raised properly. I’m surprised they didn’t get taken. Now it’s like a totally different life. Totally different and I couldn’t ask for anything more. You know, being here is a blessing. Being here is a blessing for me, because I know what it’s like to have nothing. Anything else you want to share? Oh, if it wasn’t for this place, I definitely would still be on the streets and I am very grateful. And as far as donations...once I get myself on my feet, I am giving back and I’m definitely going to start donating back to this place for all the help that they’ve given me. And for anyone who's listening to this, please donate.

After dedicating 30 plus years to the Nuclear Industry, Planell found himself at a crossroads when his social security benefits were suddenly denied due to his immigration status. Having been a self-proclaimed "workaholic" and someone who sacrificed family time in exchange for stability for his family, Planell felt distraught when he realized he would no longer be able to provide for himself and his family and that his benefits would be lost. In 2016 Planell's unfortunate journey to homelessness began. At 61 years old, the trauma of his situation led to substance abuse (drugs, alcohol) as a means of escaping and he eventually found himself homeless with nowhere to turn. In 2020, Planell turned to the Coalition for help. And as if the loss of his status, his home, his family, and his benefits weren't enough, he soon found himself losing something more---his eyesight. Planell was diagnosed with severe glaucoma and is legally blind today. At the Coalition, Planell has been paired with case manager Ramon who is working to get him into an assisted living facility, and attempting to re-secure some of his lost benefits. He also recently obtained his first walking stick, which has been beneficial to his condition. Reflecting on his life, Planell shows remorse for showing up just a provider to his family. "I was a provider. My children saved my life as a working man, but I screwed up as a father." He says while his family is set up with property and homes thanks to his hard work, he finds himself alone and battling fears around his own security and potential dangers. "My biggest fear is there's going to be a time where they say we can do nothing about you...and I have to go. And [being] blind and on the street is so terrifying." Planell is safe and secure at the Coalition, but his case against homelessness, blindness, and stability is on-going. Despite being a doting provider, he is still dealing with loss as he works diligently to return to his feet. Interview with Planell (transcribed verbatim) Q: How has being a father changed your life? "Being responsible; the desire to take care my children and give them what I never have in my country; to have a better life (now) than I have. Before I become—that was a mistake —because I become a workaholic. I became a provider...a material provider, not a father that loves...that deserves. Be there...for... when they need me; basketball games, when they have problems, their daddy is not there. Especially the girls, they really have it a crush on dad, because they have a problem with a boyfriend or whatever, dad is not there. It’s suffered, I mean. Sometimes you have to think...you have to put yourself in my shoes. I’m an immigrant; our dream is to do better. For ourself and your family; and in the back of your head, you’re always thinking you don’t want what I had in my country, for my children in this country, so you have to work hard. You have to do everything to make your wife happy—house, bills paid, you know work, work, work, work , and sometimes it’s a gap that we miss. And sometimes your children love you...with nothing. They don’t really care about material things because they're young. They just want you there (with them). So it’s just....it made me strong to work and provide, but at the same time I messed up and became weak because I was not really a good father and I thought I was. I was just a provider. That’s why my daughter calls me the donor, because technically yeah...I make enough, I brought up baby , and I gave everything, but I wasn’t there. I gave everything material... I didn’t give her the support and love; maternity love that a child needs. I was not there, I was working a nd in my mind ...I was so strong, I was a freaking workaholic. I became so workaholic, that my job was 6 months out of my house, come back to my house, I get the hot sheet and work for another company that wants to give me another job, until my company calls me again. Because when you have a trade, in my trade, another company that does the same thing, they might need you. So you call it, yeah you come, for another 3-4months....so I was like 'I love you, but I got to go.' But my children saved my life as a working man, but I screwed up as a father... "