learning and growing: vivia's story

Vivia arrived at Friendship House several months ago when she and her husband, Robert, were evicted from their home in Oak Harbor. Though Friendship House has separate houses for men and women, it was the only place where they would be close to each other.While she was thankful to receive shelter and food, Vivia quickly learned that Friendship House was not a place to sit around and relax. Instead, residents are expected to pitch in with chores and donation hours, all while looking for jobs and housing.

“When I first came in, I think Brenda used the work self-sufficiency about 12 times!” Vivia says.

Vivia quickly showed a high level of responsibility and was asked to be a house assistant, who is responsible for helping House Manager Brenda with intakes, donations, and other duties.

“It was a huge learning experience for me,” Vivia says. “Because I was HA, I feel like I took so much more away from the program. I was able to help the house run smoothly and to connect with people on a personal level. Brenda was great at teaching me how to have boundaries, but also compassion. I learned that everyone has their own story and comes from their own walk of life.”

While serving as house assistant, Vivia was also persistent in looking at houses, and was finally successful at finding one. Several weeks ago, she, Robert and another couple moved into the new home.

“There are great resources here,” Vivia says. “Working through the Friendship House program got me exactly what I wanted. If you really make it your own, it will make a difference!”