Autumn is a single mom to a daughter Opale. At the time Opale was one-year old. If she continued to stay in Missouri, they would have been homeless. In May 2021, being familiar with Colorado, she decided to move to Denver. Soon after settling in Denver, she was fortunate to gain employment with Stinker as a Customer Service Specialist. She had learned about Hands of The Carpenter (Hands) through the Gathering Place in 2023, but did not apply for services until later. In April 2024, Autumn’s recently purchased 2020 Hyundai Elantra was totaled in an accident. She needed a vehicle to work and care for her daughter, so she purchased a 2002 Buick Regal from a private owner. It was not too long after the vehicle started experiencing drivability issues.
It was May 2024 when Autumn remembered Hands and applied for services. She was approved to have her Buick Regal evaluated through the TLC program. Unfortunately, the news of her vehicle not being worth the investment for repairs was a “shot to the heart,” and having purchased this vehicle at the beginning of the month was a devastating blow. The Hands’ service team recommended she contact client services for options. In reaching out to client services, she applied for the Hands Lift UP vehicle placement program and was approved for a vehicle purchase. Autumn was also experiencing break-ins at her apartment complex and paying high costs for parking space of where she was living. She had to make the decision to move to another location to keep her family safe.
She recalls a lot weighing on her, but didn’t give up and continued to push forward. Once again, she would face more challenges. It was June when Autumn was blindsided to hear that she was being laid off from her job. She had recently been approved for housing assistance but was now concerned about how she was going to keep up with an apartment, other bills and no vehicle for transportation. She kept her scheduled date to move and moved further east of Denver to an apartment that seemed to be in a safer environment for Opale. While searching and waiting for employment, Autumn went to food banks and searched for assistance to keep afloat. Opale had celebrated turning 4-years old. With all that was going on, Autumn says, “Opale was resilient and had easily bounced back to her happy child nature.”
Finally, the table turned in favor for Autumn. She says, “October will be a memorable month for me.” She regained employment and is now back on track. She recognizes those who have been with her through this ordeal and is so thankful for the support received from organizations like Love INC, a non-profit organization and partner of Hands of The Carpenter.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Hands of The Carpenter’s annual Heart of Hope Gala, Autumn was joined by an audience of Hands’ Champions to see her be placed in a 2009 Subaru Forester.
With gratitude and honor, Autumn says,
“I felt empowered by the support Hands gave me, and for the dedication of each and every staff member to helping a single mom like me, and for that, I am so very thankful to Hands.”
