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Meet Chardenay, a 24-year-old devoted mother who grew up in Westmont and has navigated an early adulthood filled with overwhelming obstacles. Chardenay's childhood was marked by instability.
At 16, her family’s struggles led to separation, placing her and her siblings in DCFS custody. The birth of her daughter at just 19 years old brought both joy and new challenges. While staying on family’s couches, she began suffering domestic violence. Seeking safety and a better life for herself and her daughter, Chardenay decided to leave, at first staying in her car in parking lots. Last winter, a group of young women in similar situations recommended she head to the DuPagePads Access Center in Wheaton, which was operating as the only overnight service site for warmth and safety in DuPage County last year.
After spending the night safely in emergency interim housing, Chardenay was referred for a DuPagePads housing program called Haven of Hope, which provides apartments and wraparound services for survivors of domestic violence. Once approved, a DuPagePads Housing Navigator collaborated with her to search for housing. After touring an apartment in Addison, staff quickly sprang into action to ensure Chardenay secured the unit of her dreams. Within three days, she signed the lease!
As Chardenay settles into her new apartment, she’s looking forward to building a peaceful and stable life with her daughter. She balances full time work while pursuing an online degree in accounting and finance.
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