Waymakers Foundation

Another life changed. Another reminder of why Waymakers existed. ❤️

My heart is full of gratitude today.

In June 2025, just days before her high school graduation and only days before her 18th birthday, Waymakers received a referral through Richmond Public Schools' McKinney-Vento Program for a young woman I'll call E.C. She was experiencing homelessness and needed temporary housing assistance.

At the time, there was no shelter available and no hotel placement. After completing her intake, I looked at her and simply said, "You're coming home with me. It's not safe for you to be out here. We'll get services in place, and first, we're going to make sure you graduate."

What followed was a journey that involved counselors, mentors, community partners, and countless individuals who stepped in with love and support. Together, our community provided housing, food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, encouragement, and so much more.

She graduated from high school and is now attending college.

Just when we thought housing had been the biggest challenge, we discovered another obstacle—her immigration status. Although she entered the United States as a child, she had never received her physical Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). After a long process and many months of waiting, we recently received notice that her case would finally be resolved.

Today, she officially received her Green Card. 💚

To every person, organization, attorney, volunteer, donor, counselor, and advocate who played a role in E.C.'s journey—thank you. From food and housing to clothing, financial assistance, legal support, mentorship, and simply believing in her, you helped change the trajectory of a young woman's life.

I may not have the opportunity to personally thank each of you, but please know that your kindness made a lasting difference.

This is the impact of a community that refuses to give up on its young people.

> To E.C., I wish you nothing but the very best. Continue chasing your dreams, never forget how strong you are, and keep building the future you've worked so hard for. My hope is that one day you'll be able to safely go home and visit your mom again. No matter where life takes you, know that you'll always have people cheering you on. I'm so proud of you. ❤️

With gratitude,
Natasha Contreras
Waymakers Foundation

🎒💙 ¡Gracias a la Iglesia St. John's United Church of Christ por su generosa donación de útiles escolares!

Gracias a su apoyo, el próximo 24 de julio, durante nuestro evento de despedida de Waymakers Foundation, estaremos entregando útiles escolares a las familias de nuestra comunidad.

📚 La distribución será por orden de llegada y cada estudiante recibirá un kit de útiles escolares, hasta agotar existencias.

¡Gracias por unirse a nuestra misión de apoyar a los niños y familias de nuestra comunidad! ❤️

ÚLTIMO LLAMADO – DOCUMENTOS DE IDENTIFICACIÓN
Antes del cierre definitivo de Waymakers Foundation, hacemos un último llamado a todas las personas que dejaron su identificación, licencia de conducir, pasaporte u otros documentos con nosotros para que pasen a recogerlos.
804 475 1715 Natasha Contreras