The Gramercy Story:

Simona's Story

Simona came to GHG dejected, feeling that she would not be able to obtain her high school diploma and achieve self-sufficiency because she was forced to leave her family home with a two-month old baby girl. However, after working with our case management staff and utilizing supportive services to address her barriers to self-sufficiency, she became hopeful again. Simona graduated from GHG with a GED, a nursing assistant certificate, a medical billing certificate and a medical office assistant certificate. With the skills and confidence she gained from GHG Simona also secured a full -time job before transitioning to her own apartment. Simona’s daughter continues to come to our childcare center in order to maintain the bonds she has created during her 2-year stay at GHG. Simona’s life is one of the many that has been transformed by the support provided by the staff at GHG.

Caprice's Story

Caprice and her 4-year old son BJ first came to Gramercy Housing Group (GHG) from downtown Los Angeles, looking for stable housing. At GHG , they were connected with various services including case management, daycare, parenting classes , education and financial classes, and access to computer resources. Caprice also gained on-site job skills while assisting in the childcare center and kitchen. In October 2005, Caprice and BJ moved into their own permanent home. "GHG was a wonderful stepping stone for my son and I ," says Caprice. "It provided us with a place to call home. It is a place where other young families who are homeless or in need can go to grow and mature themselves and their families. I have matured at GHG. I have my own place and am now married and expecting a baby boy in October. Then I plan to go back to work, and eventually go back to school for social work. "