I have a son in the military, and he and his wife welcomed a baby boy in April 2025. I am looking forward to meeting โJJโ soon and snuggling with his 18-month-old sister and my older two grandsons this summer!
Summer Solstice Success Celebration 2025
Join us as we recognize individuals who have faced immense obstacles and achieved success.
The annual Summer Solstice Success Celebration is a signature policy and advocacy event. Each year, we recognize the stories of our consumers who have achieved success despite the challenges associated with homelessness.
Homelessness does not have a โone-size-fits-allโ solution. Ending episodes of homelessness means increasing access to a variety of interventions such as health care, housing, and supportive services. The diversity of the success stories presented here is a shining testament to that fact.
success stories
Success in HEALTH: DANNY GONZALEZ
Danny Gonzalez is proudly celebrating six months of sobriety after battling addiction for much of his adult life. He is focused on building stability and surrounding himself with others who are equally committed to personal growth and a better future. He is in the process of enrolling in barber school and hopes to build a meaningful careerโone that supports his sobriety and allows him to create a strong foundation for himself and his future family.
Success in HEALTH: BERTRAM WESTON
Bertram Weston is celebrating his recent health care achievements. After facing a series of health challenges, Bertram was connected to a Care For the Homeless health center through an emergency department visit. He credits his progress to the supportive providers and friends who stood by him. Through it all, Bertramโs resilience and positivity have remained a guiding light on his journey.
SUCCESS IN HEALTH AND HOUSING: JEANNETTE ORTIZ
Jeannette Ortiz is celebrating two major milestones: moving into permanent housing and continuing her journey of sobriety. She shared that while her health is a work in progress, she is deeply grateful for the support she received from the on-site health center at Susanโs Place. Jeannette encourages others in similar situations to remember that help is availableโand to lean on the people who are there to support you.
SUCCESS IN HEALTH: BERNAVE OLVERA
Bernave Olveraโs journey reflects strength, healing, and hope. A former boxing champion, Bernave overcame serious health challenges with support from our Care Found Here health center in Queens. Today, he continues to prioritize his well-being and shares his story to encourage others to seek help and stay connected to care. His story is a reminder of the power of compassion and community.
SUCCESS IN EMPLOYMENT: SYLVIA SMITH
Sylvia Smithโs service goes beyond her work within the Department of Education. Sylvia runs a variety of businesses, gives back to her community, and has stayed connected with the women she grew close to while a resident at Susanโs Place shelter. Her leadership has been a guiding light to many and continues to push her to do more.
SUCCESS IN EMPLOYMENT: JACQUELINE LLOYD
Jacqueline Lloyd is one of the newest members of the CFH Consumer Advisory Board and has quickly become an essential part of the team. Over the past year, Jacqueline has worked at the Department for the Aging, where she supported older adults in re-entering the workforce and connecting with vital services. She was recently promoted to Assistant Borough Coordinator and is eager to use her lived experience to help others access the home, health, and income supports they need to thrive.
Wall of Success
Lisa Cruz
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Judy Hargroveย
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Charyn Watsonย
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Phillip Malebranche
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Elaine Tenzer
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Mitchell McCannย
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Gayle Dorsky
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Anonymous
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M. Mickelsonย
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Lisa Cruz
Judy Hargroveย
I got a nice, clean dress!
Charyn Watsonย
Finding Valley Lodge is a source of hope for me.
Phillip Malebranche
I have been writing my story on Facebook. It helps to correct myths about homelessness.
Elaine Tenzer
My success story is having stable housing after experiencing homelessness and abuse.
Mitchell McCannย
I have been in a shelter for 11 months and was able to land a job and a house.
Gayle Dorsky
Eating healthy, exercising, taking health classes, and being an advocate and an artist.
Anonymous
In shelter for 7 months, celebrating the 1st of July (my birthday), the move-in date for my new apartment…
M. Mickelsonย
Iโm cleaned up from a 12-year use of heroin, 6 months on the 8th of June.
