Voices We Serve: Ms. H, REAP Client

An immigrant from Ghana who has lived in the US for over 25 years, Ms. H is a single mother who has overcome her fair share of challenges. She eventually settled in Maryland determined to build a better life for her son. Her story highlights the important role REAP plays in supporting hardworking community members.

Ms. H works 10 months of the year, meaning income isn’t steady year-round. Summers are especially tough, and though she actively looks for temporary work, there are months when her paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough.

Ms. H first came to REAP when her son was still in high school; she wanted to remain in Rockville to help her son get the best education possible and get into a good college. Thanks to REAP, the family stayed in their home, and while her son was in college, Ms. H refused to miss tuition payments—even if that meant falling behind on rent. She even downsized to a one-bedroom apartment to try and improve her finances after losing eligibility for a county rental assistance program. 

Today, her son has earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in biochemistry and is completing an internship, but Ms. H continues to support him while also caring for her elderly mother in a senior center in Rockville. 

"This is a very great program which has provided financial emergency assistance and dedicated case management to help stabilize my family during severe hardship." - Ms. H

Ms. H turned REAP in situations where her income doesn’t stretch to cover all these expenses, helping her continue to support her family and stay on track. She is grateful to the program, and to the director in particular: "I would like to acknowledge Mrs. Odeth Berlin, the director of REAP for her hard work, promptness, friendliness and efficacy in all that she does to help the people living in the community."