The DELTA Community - Stories of Strength

She's a student at Shippensburg University now, thanks to Julie and the DELTA Community. A few years ago she was a Harrisburg High School honor student living alone with her nine-month old baby in an apartment with no electricity and no heat. Kicked out of her home by her mother, largely neglected by the child's father, she worked two jobs and did her homework with a flashlight. Gina, the homeless coordinator at Harrisburg High, made the referral to DELTA. With safe affordable housing and the loving support of the Community, she is on her way to a new life.

Mom went to the grocery store one afternoon and never came home. Her little six-year old girl was abandoned to the foster-care system of New York and Pennsylvania. A girl of color; she was abused and neglected in an unfamiliar world of white. Fear paralyzed this young woman, the mother of 2 children, when she first entered the DELTA Community. She never opened her window blinds for six months. Now, four years later, thanks to love, counseling and education, she is happily married, the loving mother of 3 and a vivacious worker in a childcare center.

"Mommy, don't die! Please don't die" Little five-year old Malcolm held his overdosed mother after he had dialed 911. After a second trip to prison for child neglect, mom came to the DELTA Community. With the help of her case manager and the DELTA staff, she was able to regain control of her life and the custody of her 7 children. From near death and prison she has found her way to Harrisburg Area Community College where she is on the dean's list and the newly elected president of the student body!