Renada Finds Compassion at Family Scholar House

When Renada Matthews first walked through the doors of Family Scholar House, she wasn’t sure what to expect. A single mother of three — including an energetic eight-year-old son, Paxton — she had spent years trying to do everything on her own. “I thought I was Superwoman,” she recalls. “I always had my cape on and didn’t want help. I was embarrassed and couldn’t forgive myself for letting someone disrupt my life like that.”

But what she found at Family Scholar House changed everything. Through a connection with the Goodwill Opportunity Center, Renada discovered not judgment, but compassion. “I found listening ears. I found open arms. I was never interrupted. I never felt judged,” she says.

Family Scholar House met Renada where she was, helping her overcome immediate struggles. Through the ECTC and Family Scholar House Emergency fund, Renada shares “I was able to get my light bill paid. I was able to get transportation. We never had a day hungry. I always felt supported.” That stability allowed her to focus on her goals — including pursuing a degree in Human Services to better understand people and how to help them.

To ensure we can help meet all of our families needs, FSH partners with other community agencies to provide additional resources. Through a connection made to Grace’s Garage, a moment came that she’ll never forget. “I was sitting at my desk when Miss Lynette asked if I had a car yet. I said I had a little money saved. She said, ‘Well, I have a surprise for you — a car was just donated to you from Grace’s Garage!’” Renada was stunned. “It was filled up with gas. All I had to do was pay the insurance and keep up the maintenance.”

Her son Paxton was just as overjoyed. “He said, ‘Mama, I’ve never seen you this happy.’ I told him, ‘This is just the beginning, baby, this is just the beginning.’”

Renada says Paxton is proud of her because she never gave up. “He always thought that I was trying — trying to get a job, trying to work. I think he’s proud that I kept dancing and singing through the pain.”

Today, Renada is studying Human Services and building the foundation for long-term financial security and
self-sufficiency. “I go home every night happy from being a member of Family Scholar House,” she says.

And she has a message for those who make that possible: “To everyone who contributes, thank you. Your donations — from clothing to cars to essentials — mean so much. You make it possible for people like me to move forward, to dream again, and to keep dancing.”