When Amy first connected with Kenzi’s Kidz in 2016, she was living at the Crossroads shelter in Fort Collins with her children. It was a season marked by uncertainty, a time when she worked tirelessly to restore stability while navigating challenges no parent should have to face alone. What she didn’t know then was that this connection would become a turning point for her family’s future.
“I don’t remember whether I found the program or they found me,” Amy shared, “but what I do remember is how natural and welcoming it felt from the very beginning. There was no judgment — only compassion, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to helping families move forward.”
One of the most transformative moments in Amy’s journey came when Kenzi’s Kidz supported her in earning her CNA license. For a single mother working to rebuild her life, this wasn’t just a certification; it was a doorway.
“It gave me immediate financial stability,” she said, “but it also gave me confidence. It made me feel like I had a direction again.” That investment in her long‑term success helped Amy take her first steps toward a career she had once only imagined.
In early 2017, Kenzi’s Kidz helped connect Amy with Longmont Ford, which donated a vehicle to her family. For many families experiencing homelessness or instability, transportation is the barrier that keeps opportunity out of reach. For Amy, receiving a car changed the rhythm of daily life.
“Having reliable transportation transformed everything,” she said. “I could get to work, take care of my responsibilities, and create a more stable environment for my kids.”
What has stayed with Amy most over the years is the personal connection.
“Jessica has always checked in on us,” she said. “She takes the time to see how we’re doing. That kind of care goes beyond program support; it shows a real investment in our well‑being.”
That ongoing relationship reflects the heart of Kenzi’s Kidz: support that doesn’t end when the crisis does. Since those early years, Amy has continued to build on the foundation she worked so hard to create. She earned her Associate’s degree in Cybersecurity, and this May, she will graduate with her Bachelor’s degree, pursuing a career in Information Warfare/Cybersecurity.
She is actively seeking employment and remains hopeful that she will secure her dream position by the end of the year. This milestone would bring her family full financial independence.
Today, Amy’s family is thriving. Her children have grown up with experiences that strengthened their confidence and sense of belonging. Amy has built a stable, supportive home and a future filled with possibilities.
By sharing her story, she hopes others will understand the power of community support and the courage it takes to ask for help.
“Our family has always been committed to moving forward,” she said. “What we needed was support and opportunity, and Kenzi’s Kidz provided both. Their impact goes far beyond immediate assistance. They helped create a foundation for long‑term growth, independence, and the ability to give back.”
