From Surviving to Thriving: Flo’s Journey Home
For much of her adult life, Flo was simply trying to survive.
After relocating to Elmira for work, a medical issue cost her the job she depended on. What followed was years of housing instability, homelessness, and addiction. For nearly a decade, Flo struggled to find a path forward.
Flo Before Recovery
“I had been homeless for ten years.”
In November 2020, Flo moved into an apartment through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) program at LaFrance Apartments. For the first time in years, she had a stable place to call home.
That stability became the foundation for something much bigger.
Flo began working closely with Catholic Charities staff who helped her address barriers, access treatment, navigate setbacks, and create goals for the future. Like many people in recovery, her journey was not a straight line. There were challenges, relapses, and moments when she questioned whether lasting change was possible.
But the support never stopped.
“The ESSHI Program and Catholic Charities have this statement: Just because you get high doesn’t mean you don’t deserve housing, and just because you relapse doesn’t mean you’ll lose your apartment.”
That philosophy helped Flo understand that her worth was not defined by her struggles.
With housing stability and steady support, she gradually developed the tools needed to move forward. She entered treatment, strengthened her recovery, and learned healthier ways of dealing with life’s challenges.
Teresa Cruz, LaFrance Case Manager, says Flo’s growth has been extraordinary:
“Floral is leaving the ESSHI program a whole different person. She has overcome so much in her journey and has found her faith in God.”
Over time, Flo began to see herself differently. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, she started investing in her future.
Reaching for New Goals
Recovery and stable housing opened doors Flo once thought were closed.
Today, she continues investing in her future through higher education. As a student at Corning Community College, Flo earned a place on the President’s List, a distinction awarded for exceptional academic achievement.
The recognition reflects the same determination that has carried her through every stage of her
Flo – current
journey. From overcoming homelessness and addiction to pursuing college-level coursework, Flo continues to prove that lasting transformation is possible.
For Flo, success is no longer about simply surviving. It is about building a future filled with purpose, opportunity, and hope.
Lisa Appleby, LaFrance Supervisor, has witnessed that transformation firsthand:
“Floral is the epitome of resilience and strength, watching her transformation has been nothing short of miraculous and a true attestation to the work Catholic Charities does. The staff at LaFrance are all so very proud of Floral and so grateful to be a part of her story.”
Flo remains grateful for every staff member who encouraged her, challenged her, and stood beside her throughout the process.
“Because of them, I am now a prosperous, energetic, outgoing, high-success client.”
She closes her story with gratitude: “Thank you so much for loving me when I couldn’t.”
At Catholic Charities, we believe every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to succeed. Flo’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when those opportunities are available.