These were the words Robert Reid used to summarize how our programs helped him transition from being an unhoused father with a temp job to leasing-to-own a home with a well-paying job and bright future for himself and his son.

“Who knew a car repair would change my life?” Tamera asked this question when we interviewed her about her recent completion of our Extra Mile money management program.

For the past three years, John Bassford has volunteered his Fridays to partner with the Furniture Bank and help bring essential household furniture to families in transition.

When Antonio first contacted Love Columbia he had no idea how much his community was about to grow. We’ve had the joy of working with him in career coaching, credit building coaching and Good Dads parenting and healthy relationships courses.

Edwina Prinster is a very young 84 year old. She started volunteering with Love Columbia six years ago and says,“The relationships I’ve formed have changed and greatly enriched my life.” 

A friend encouraged Brandon Pepper to volunteer to meet new people and become less isolated after going through a difficult time in his life.

It takes 66 days to form a habit according to ritual.com, but what if you have no one to show you what a healthy habit is?

“I never would have guessed that I wouldn’t just be gaining a coaching client. I would be gaining a daughter,” Deb reflects on her Extra Mile coaching.

“What I’ve noticed about my career clients is that many are much more prepared for jobs than they realize,” Lori Acton says.

When Porsha moved her family from St Louis to Columbia, she had no idea how their lives were about to change.

In 2020, Daniel was out of work during the pandemic, in a crunch, and facing homelessness; a situation he wouldn’t have thought possible a year prior.

After a 44-year career at UPS, Howdy devotes his retirement to creatively providing car-related support to Columbians.

No longer living paycheck to paycheck, Tessa shares how her life completely transformed through coaching and relationships.