The emergency shelter the Mission provides led to joy and stability during the holidays for LaDasmine and his family, giving them the greatest gift of all—a safe place to call home and a fresh start.
LaDasmine and his three kids, Jasilyn (10), Jiera (eight) and One (one), walked into The Crossing for the first time on a cold November day, unsure what to expect, but grateful to be in a place that wasn’t a hotel, storage shed or car.
From the moment they stepped through the front doors, they began receiving support and tangible items that overwhelmed them in the best way. “I received all the toiletries that you would need, bedding, a brand-new bunk bed, and a playpen and crib,” LaDasmine recalled.
“Every day it was like we received something. It was magical.”
Barely being able to afford a place for his family to sleep at night, LaDasmine couldn’t fathom being able to afford to get his kids the Christmas gifts they wanted. And then the Mission stepped in so he didn’t have to.
“These people are awesome. They asked my kids what they wanted, and they got everything that they asked for and more. For us, we never had anything that was that great just given to us. I definitely felt a spirit of being wanted. It made this place a home instead of just somewhere to stay.”
LaDasmine
LaDasmine’s family is part of the Mission’s Emergency Family Shelter, which encompasses 10 rooms at The Crossing for families experiencing urgent shelter needs. At a time of desperation, their family of four was able to come to us and receive the greatest gift: support as a parent, as children and as a family as a whole.
“The Youth Center and my clinician worked with me on everything that I needed to be successful,” LaDasmine said. “That felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t have to worry about what we were going to eat or where we were going to stay next. Stability gives peace of mind.“
Having consistent three meals a day opened doors for LaDasmine to focus on other things to help his family out of their current situation.
In the past he relied on food stamps to feed his family, but in moments of food scarcity, he did what he had to do to make sure his kids were taken care of. “I felt ashamed to eat because my family was already not being provided for. So, if I had to sacrifice in order for my kids to eat, I would. That felt horrible,” he remembered. “That was a point in my life I don’t want to ever go back to. It feels as if you let your kids down.”
Growing up without a present mother and father, LaDasmine is determined to make sure his kids have the resources and support that he never had as a child. “I want my kids to have a stable life, a life of not having to wonder, ‘Where are we going to be?’” he said.
Thanks to The Crossing’s Youth Center, classes, counseling, housing support, and like-minded community, LaDasmine and his kids have come a long way in the past year.
Youth Center
“I really don’t know where I would be mentally or physically if it wasn’t for that team. They tell my kids every day to be proud of themselves, and my kids have been happier and more confident.”
Community
“I found a very tight-knit community here. We know things are hard, so whatever we can help each other with, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Housing
“I feel pretty confident that I’ll be able to create a stable household for my kids. With the help of this program, I feel more enlightened on how things work in terms of getting housing and keeping housing.”
What if We Had Met This Family Sooner?
LaDasmine’s family was staying in an apartment when the rent was raised by 600 dollars. However, he never received his deposit, leaving him without the money to afford another place, and his family experiencing homelessness.
While we are grateful we had a room for LaDasmine and his family to stay in when they needed it most, their homelessness could have been prevented.
Our Prevention Pilot Program
The Mission just launched a pilot program to help prevent homelessness for select families who are experiencing a crisis moment. With one-time financial assistance, we can help prevent them from ever becoming homeless in the first place.
Ultimately, LaDasmine is grateful to finally feel a semblance of normalcy in his life. He can dream of the future and wants to help others. He is healthier, getting more involved in his kids’ schooling and knows that he no longer has to go through life alone.
“Before, I had goals and they seemed so far[1]fetched, and now, they seem attainable,” he said. “This program has helped me get daycare for my son so that I can actually work. And I’m in college for psychology, so it helps me to finish some of my studies. I just want to thank Denver Rescue Mission for everything they’ve done for me.”
Making Our Kids’ Christmas Dreams Come True
“Watching our community rally around our children and families during the Christmas season is incredibly meaningful to me. The joy it brings to our kids—and the relief it offers their parents—is truly priceless.
We all know the excitement that comes with opening presents on Christmas morning. By making our kids’ Christmas dreams a reality, we, in turn, help them know and feel that they are worthy of that joy too.”
-MC Crawford, Children, Youth & Family Manager
Make Christmas Special for Someone in Need
“If you want to make an impact here in Denver, the best place to have your money go to is here. I have never seen anybody help the mass of people at the same time as this place.” -LaDasmine
This Christmas, make home the ultimate gift for a family in need by donating today!
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- A Season of Peace
- The Mission in My Words: Beth Farr
- Letter From Our CEO
