News Archives - Hillcrest Platte County

Natalia – HPC Adult Housing Success

October 24, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

When Natalia arrived at Hillcrest Platte County, she was escaping a domestic violence situation that had escalated to physical assault and put her life in danger. Before finding HPC, she had been living in a crowded shelter, sharing space with many others, and struggling to feel safe.

At Hillcrest, everything changed. For the first time in a long time, Natalia felt secure, supported, and seen. She often shared her gratitude for having a private, peaceful space where she could breathe and rest.

Natalia faced challenges that would have discouraged many, but instead of giving up, she chose to rise. Through her determination and with the guidance of her case manager and counselor, she paid off thousands of dollars in debt, built a strong emergency fund, and learned the skills needed to sustain her independence.

Just one week before October graduation, Natalia moved into her very own apartment. She expressed deep appreciation for the Hillcrest community, sharing that the care, encouragement, and support she received from her case manager, counselor, and staff gave her the tools and hope to start over.

Anonymous Graduate – Identity Protected

September 19, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

This graduate came to HPC as a domestic violence survivor, fleeing several states in search of safety. Carrying years of trauma, fear, and distrust, she and her two daughters found a place where healing could begin. With no family or outside support, she worried about what leaving might mean. Yet HPC became more than housing. It was a close-knit, family-centered community. Though she faced setbacks, her openness helped her support team guide her forward with compassion.

During her time at HPC, she achieved remarkable milestones: saving thousands of dollars, paying off debt, completing 15 college credits, and being accepted into a university to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her counselor reflected on her growth, sharing that she resisted unpacking trauma at first but gradually embraced counseling, walking the road of healing step by step.

At graduation, her counselor reminded her, “You belong to the Most High God. He will never leave you and never forsake you.” Then the graduate offered her own words: “When I first came to Hillcrest, my only concern was to protect my children. I wasn’t thinking about my own healing. But here, the little girl inside me, the one who had endured so much, finally had a chance to be heard. I came broken, but through structure, therapy, and support, I was given space to rebuild. Today I leave stronger as a mother, a woman, and in spirit. Hillcrest didn’t just give me housing. You gave me my life back.”

Briana – HPC Adult Housing Success

August 22, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

When Briana first came to HPC, she didn’t think she could succeed. On day three, she called her case manager and said she was packed and ready to leave. Her ride was waiting outside. Overwhelmed and uncertain, Briana ultimately made the decision to stay and put the work in. That decision shaped everything that came next.

While in the housing program, Briana was able to enroll in classes at UMKC. She began the summer semester and started the path to earn her degree in computer science engineering. Briana also saved thousands of dollars working, and she secured her own rental for after graduation.

At graduation, Briana’s case manager shared that their connection providentially went back years. She first met Briana when Briana’s mom was in another transitional housing program; Briana was a teenager at that time. When Briana’s application came through to HPC years later, her case manager recognized her name right away.

“She had to be dragged to the finish line,” her case manager later said, not because she didn’t want it, but because she carried so much. She was always thinking about everyone else. She just needed someone to walk with her.

Briana also discovered a second connection: another case manager at HPC was her cousin. They hadn’t known the other was there, and while her cousin wasn’t part of her case, she cheered Briana on from the sidelines. “Briana had her own boutique on North Oak,” her cousin said. “She’s run a business. She’s a go-getter. But life gets hard, and asking for help is even harder. Most people don’t. I’m proud of her for that.”

At graduation, Briana stood up to speak. “When I came to Hillcrest, my life was different. I didn’t know who worked here. Turns out it was my cousin and a case manager I met years ago. It was a double blessing. I thank God for this program, my sponsors, and everyone here. It was hard. I almost gave up. But I made it.”

Briana is still growing, and we’re proud to be a part of that. Even in the hardest moments, she stayed. She showed up, and she didn’t quit.

Celeste – HPC Adult Housing Success

July 18, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

When Celeste and her two sons were forced to leave their home, they had nowhere to go. For a time, they lived in a hotel room while she continued working. In two short years, Celeste had endured the loss of her mother, two sisters, a brother, and her grandmother. The grief, instability, and weight of single-handedly raising her boys took a deep emotional toll.

Despite the hardships, she hesitated to ask for help. Like many others, she had grown used to taking care of everyone else rather than herself. Eventually, the pressure became too much, and she reached out to Hillcrest Platte County for support.

Her time in the HPC program was not easy. It required deep vulnerability, accountability, and the willingness to confront painful parts of her story with the help of our HPC counseling staff. While in the program, Celeste focused not only on her finances but also on her sense of identity and purpose.

Through structure, encouragement, and hard work, she was able to save money and offer stability to her sons. Celeste describes one of the greatest gifts of the HPC program being that her boys no longer had to worry about where they would sleep or whether they would have food to eat. That peace of mind allowed them to thrive, and it showed in their confidence and behavior.

Celeste’s mindset also began to change. She learned that it is okay to ask for help and to admit when life feels overwhelming. What once felt like failure became the starting point for resilience and growth.

Today, Celeste has a savings account, a renewed perspective, and a future filled with hope. Her oldest son is preparing to attend college, a dream of his that is becoming a reality. None of which would have been possible if they had remained in that hotel room.

Will – HPC Adult Housing Success

June 20, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

Will joined Hillcrest Platte County in October 2024, ready to embrace change and growth. From day one, he committed to the hard work required to rebuild his life. With support from our dedicated staff and volunteers, Will found encouragement and accountability, but most importantly, he showed up for himself.

He actively engaged in weekly case management, budgeting classes, and professional counseling. Will also faithfully attended Life Skills workshops and lent a helping hand around campus, even stepping up during winter snow days.

His determination led him to successfully transition into our Phase 2 Graduate Housing Program, which he completed in May 2025. During this time, Will paid off barrier debt, built a solid savings foundation, and became a source of inspiration to others in our community.

We are incredibly proud of Will and celebrate his accomplishments. We pray for his continued strength and success on the journey ahead.

Post-Graduate Program Success

May 26, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

The HPC Post Graduate Program, launched in December 2024, has already seen tremendous success! Designed to support long-term independence, the program offers two additional phases after the initial 90 days, managed by Graduate Case Manager, Chris.

Participants qualify by completing the 90-day program in good standing and submitting a letter of request. Upon acceptance, they work with Chris and their original Case Manager for continued support. In Phase II, participants begin the process of securing housing, continue budget counseling, and work on debt repayment, all with increased independence and fewer restrictions. In Phase III, participants move into their own homes with approximately four months of financial support for deposits, utilities, and continued life skills coaching.

We are thrilled to share that three participants have graduated! Raymond has moved into an apartment and built up several thousand dollars in savings. Kelli and her son Koi have moved to a home of their own, where Kelli has received a promotion and continues to grow her savings. Another graduate family recently moved into their own home, saved nearly $10,000, and is thriving after receiving job promotions, and better pay. We are proud of their achievements and grateful to walk alongside them in their journey toward lasting stability.

Xaire – HPC Young Adult Housing Success

April 8, 2025/in Hillcrest Program Success Story, Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

Xaire came to our program as an expecting young mother, determined to create a stable future for herself and her baby. From the moment she arrived at HPC, she embraced the challenges of young adulthood and motherhood with great maturity and focus.

She quickly adapted to the high-accountability structure of the HPC program, seamlessly balancing chores, work, and financial planning. With a strong desire to succeed, she consistently met expectations, managing deadlines and responsibilities.

Her daughter was born just before Xaire’s birthday. Despite the early delivery, Xaire adjusted with grace, demonstrating her perseverance. While in the program, she set clear financial goals, saving thousands of dollars and paying off significant debt. Rather than requesting traditional Christmas gifts, she asked for financial contributions to help build a more secure future for herself and her daughter. Her sponsors also celebrated her journey with a baby shower, providing essential items and a strong sense of support.

Beyond her financial achievements, Xaire took a major step toward career advancement by earning her phlebotomy certification. This milestone opens doors to stable job opportunities in the medical field, laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

As Xaire moves forward, she does so with financial stability, a promising career path, and the confidence that she is creating a bright future for herself and her daughter. We are incredibly proud of everything Xaire has accomplished and look forward to seeing all she achieves next!

Graduate Success – Our Impact

March 28, 2025/in Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

Before joining the HPC program, many individuals faced overwhelming hardships, from homelessness and financial instability to abusive relationships and personal loss. Some arrived after losing their homes due to sudden life changes, forced to live in cars, hotels, or even tents in extreme weather. Others sought refuge from toxic environments, determined to break cycles of abuse and create a better future for themselves and their children.

Through HPC, a single mother and her two babies found safety in a fully furnished apartment, secured by a door that locks—one her abuser no longer has a key to. A young adult who had been surviving in a tent now has a warm bed to sleep in each night. Participants have overcome financial burdens, paying off significant debts, saving thousands, and gaining the stability to move forward. Many have secured jobs, earned degrees, and pursued professional certifications, turning their dreams into reality. Others have found renewed faith, built supportive relationships, and discovered their own strength.

Beyond financial and housing stability, HPC empowers individuals to heal, grow, and reclaim their futures. With guidance, encouragement, and resources, they have embraced new beginnings—proving that, with the right support, transformation is possible.

Kelly – HPC Adult Housing Success

February 21, 2025/in Hillcrest Program Success Story, Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

Before coming to HPC, Kelly worked as a case manager at a different transitional housing organization, serving others while experiencing homelessness herself. When it became too much, she realized she couldn’t serve her clients as well as they needed.

I had to do uncomfortable things to accept help, but I was ready,” she said. For Kelly, the hardest part of joining the HPC program was how the budgeting would affect her son, Koi. But he, always supportive, began encouraging her. Koi would say, “Mom, you’re doing great. I love you. You’re the best mom. Thank you for doing this for me.” Kelly found that Koi’s encouragement kept her going when she felt defeated.

In moments of doubt and frustration, God proved to be bigger than fear. Kelly and her case manager have cried together, prayed together, shared meals, and strengthened each other’s faith. Through it all, Kelly’s growth at HPC has been remarkable.

During her time in the program, Kelly paid off thousands of dollars in debt and built a strong savings balance. Her perseverance and faith led to remarkable career achievements. She advanced from Animal Cruelty Investigator to Field Training Officer and now serves as Compliance Officer at her work. Though she once questioned whether she should stay in her job, trusting God’s plan led to promotion after promotion. Now, with a year under her belt and a higher income, she has set a stable foundation.

“I only trusted myself before,” Kelly reflected. “But people pushed me when I didn’t want to be pushed because they loved me. They supported me. I’m really blessed.”

“The accountability this program asks for is so small compared to the benefits. The expectations are simple, and if you commit, the results are life-changing. I could have never imagined how much this program would do for me. The support has been outstanding. But I had to do the work. If you give your all, they will give you their all—that’s 100% true.”

Koi, who has been a steady support for his mother, shared, “I just want to say thank you for helping us on this journey. It was really, really cool to have everyone with us.”

Family – HPC Adult Housing Success

January 24, 2025/in Hillcrest Program Success Story, Housing, News /by Samantha Piel

This is a recent HPC success story. To protect the privacy of the individuals involved, identifying details about the family have been purposely omitted.

In 2024, our HPC program welcomed a family overwhelmed by financial challenges and an uncertain future. With two young, energetic, and playful children, ages 3 and 5, the parents understood the urgent need to create a stable foundation for their family.

While in the program, both parents fully embraced HPC’s life skills classes, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and grow.

The children’s mother was able to complete a national certification program through a well-respected initiative supporting families in school districts across the country. This achievement allowed her to secure a meaningful position in a local school district, providing both stability and personal fulfillment.

Meanwhile, the children’s father committed to working full-time as a local technician, ensuring a reliable source of income for their family.

In just two and a half months, the parents made remarkable progress. They paid off thousands of dollars in debt and built a solid savings balance.

Additionally, this family has generously shared their lived experiences, inspiring others in our HPC program to overcome challenges and pursue growth.