“It was a very good experience:’ Eight-Year-Old Nazareth Resident Attends No Books No Ball Basketball Program

For Deidre, the last twelve months have been fraught with uncertainty. Unable to work as she awaits a knee replacement, Deidre and her eight-year-old son, Corey, have been living at Catholic Charities Boston’s Nazareth Family Shelter since February, in search of permanent housing.

Through this turbulent period, however, Deidre said Nazareth Shelter staff have not let a moment go to waste – not only meeting with her every week to complete housing applications but also ensuring that Corey has opportunities to grow socially and academically.

This summer, Nazareth Shelter helped Corey to attend No Books No Ball, a Roxbury-based basketball league that teaches participants the value of sportsmanship and academic excellence.

“It was a very good experience for him,” said Deidre. “He loves basketball, and it helped him to keep up with his academics over the summer and not fall behind.”

Providing Corey this experience is just one example of how Catholic Charities Boston strives to support the whole family. While Corey gained mentors and made new friends at camp, Deidre worked diligently with Nazareth Housing Case Manager, Urgessa Tura.

“Urgessa has been marvelous,” she said. “He is always presenting information to me and helping me to explore housing options in Boston and beyond.”

“I just want to be in our own place and settled before I get the surgery, so I can rest and recover,” she said.

Until then, Deidre is committed to doing everything she can to find a permanent home – her motivation the smile on her son’s face.

To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients like Deidre and Corey, visit our Ways to Give Page. To learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s shelters, click here.