Saundra's Story

Saundra discovered Trident United Way in an unconventional way. Not a flyer, not our website. But TikTok. She heard the story of another local woman who partnered with us to regain stability. In a personal TikTok video, the woman shared her experience in her own words, prompting Saundra to give Trident United Way a try.

With less than 24 hours before she would lose her housing, Saundra, a mother of four who moved back to the Tri-County area to be closer to her daughter and help raise her grandchildren, arrived at one of our Centers for Strong Families overwhelmed and unsure. However, she left feeling seen and heard thanks to two of our Family Coaches.

Saundra knew immediately this experience would be different. Previous attempts to find support had been frustrating and impersonal. But this felt personal, and it was the human connection that made a lasting mark.

“Miss Karen and Miss Angie are human beings,” she said. “They’re doing it from their heart.” She wasn’t viewed as a statistic, but as a person, something she notes is a rare find in today’s times.

Angie Williams, Director of Community Initiatives and Karen Chew, Family Coach, went above and beyond to help Saundra secure housing. Less than 24 hours from losing everything, they stepped in, sat with Saundra and listened. They asked what happened, not why it happened, because stability starts with understanding, not judgment.

Nearly a year later, Saundra is still in her home, earning an income and moving forward. The road has not always been easy, but today she stands on steadier ground.

Now Saundra comes back to our Center weekly, not for help, but for hugs. “They didn’t have to go above and beyond the way they did,” she said. “So I come back to give them a hug and let them know how much I appreciate what they’ve done for me.”

And for anyone who may be nervous to walk through our doors, Saundra’s message is clear: “Don’t be afraid. Push your pride aside. They see you as a human being.”