I am currently a Part Time student at Piedmont Virginia Community College pursuing a degree in General Studies so that I may one day transfer to a four year college, I also Plan to take a Nursing Aide class at CATEC this semester, going to start an internship for Job training that my social worker arranged for me. I live in an apartment that is funded through ACDSS and they take care of my living expenses. Open Arms taught me how to write a resume, how to maintain a home, how to apply for FAFSA for college, how to apply to a college, and how to drive a 15 passenger van...LOL. I was also shown how to eat healthy, how to cook, how to be respectful and be upset at the same time, how to deal with different personalities in one home and leave with your sanity. Some of the professional skills I learned were how to work in an office, fax, print, use Microsoft Office, all of the things I would need to know to run an office, how to be proactive in finding a job, how to make appointments when I needed them, you taught me most of the things that I do today as a young women. To be completely honest, you guys have played a very huge part in the women I am today. This program helped me in more ways than I would imagine, thanks to everyone and thanks for everything.

-Vaconya Brown, former resident

I entered care around the age of 15 and it was hard for me to find a place to call home.  I tried a group home and foster families, but nothing seemed to go my way.  Then days after my 16th birthday Open Arms was forced upon me, as some great things are.  The place became a home to me and where I made some of my first life-long connections in care.
 
Open Arms to me is a group home that will make you ready for the next step, prepare a young adult for their future and help them create better habits.  We worked hard but partied harder.  They made me do daily chores and other things, but took me bowling and to concerts.  The staff taught me a important understanding of people; some people you’re going to like and get along with while others you must learn to deal with.  Open Arms opened my eyes and helped me to accept a change for the better.  The program willingly helps those who want to learn, listen and understand and will try with great measures those that do not.  At Open Arms you will have to cook, clean, maintain school work and a job if you have one among other things that you will have to do throughout life.  With the help of staff you will be prepared to do them successfully on your own.  I am now on my next step in this journey called life, but will always be forever grateful I got placed at Open Arms.

-Kimberly Armstrong, former resident