In the Phoenix area, several nonprofits are making significant strides in helping mothers overcome homelessness and addiction. One such organization is Maggie’s Place, which has been a transformative force for many women. LaShay Whipple’s story is a testament to the impact of these nonprofits. Whipple, who had been living on the streets for five years and had lost custody of her sons, found herself at a breaking point. As she sat in the hospital ready to give birth to her daughter, she felt utterly hopeless and ready to die. However, a turning point came when Maggie’s Place stepped in, providing her with shelter and support. The nonprofit helped her learn essential life skills, such as grocery shopping and meal prepping, and offered her the structure she needed to rebuild her life.
Almost a decade later, Whipple is a thriving example of Maggie’s Place’s success. She now works as the nonprofit’s program associate, leads an addiction recovery support group, and considers Maggie’s Place her “home away from home.” Whipple’s journey from despair to stability highlights the critical role of nonprofits in providing not just immediate relief, but long-term support and guidance. Maggie’s Place, along with Hope for Addiction, another Phoenix-area nonprofit, has been instrumental in helping mothers recover from addiction, heal from trauma, and build successful lives after experiencing homelessness.
The work of these nonprofits is supported by community contributions. Through the 2022-23 Season for Sharing campaign, more than 150 Arizona nonprofits, including Maggie’s Place and Hope for Addiction, received $1.6 million from readers of The Arizona Republic. The $7,500 granted to each of these nonprofits aids in counseling, mentoring, parenting advice, and assistance in securing employment and housing. Laura Magruder, CEO of Maggie’s Place, emphasizes the increasing necessity of these services, especially in light of the rising number of fentanyl overdoses, which have claimed the lives of several women at Maggie’s Place.
Hope for Addiction, based in Gilbert, also plays a crucial role in helping women overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Danielle Salari’s experience underscores the profound impact of such support. Homeless and struggling with sobriety, Salari found refuge at Hope for Addiction’s Freedom House. During her two-year stay, she developed essential life skills and established a routine that helped her manage single motherhood. Liz Beck, founder of Hope for Addiction, recalls Salari’s transformation from a woman barely able to string together a sentence to a confident, capable mother. These nonprofits not only save lives but also restore hope and provide the tools needed for a fresh start.
Source: Phoenix-area nonprofits help moms overcome homelessness, addiction