Fawn Malcolm first reached out to Community Concepts when her family couldn’t keep up with their bills. A Family Development Coach helped her apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, but didn’t stop there after hearing Fawn’s story.

“The financial assistance was amazing,” Fawn explained. “But I got something so much deeper. I got a reignition of my passion, and my worth, and who I am.”

Family Development Coach Darlene Thibeau listened to Fawn share her struggles and began working with her to help overcome them.

“The more I talked to her, the more I realized that she could use a lot more than rent relief,” Darlene said. “And the potential that she had, even in the midst of what she was going through was just, this girl is going to do stuff, she’s going to change lives, and I want to be a part of it.”

Fawn explained that Darlene connected her with resources she didn’t know were available, and even brought her a basket on Thanksgiving so she didn’t miss having a meal with her daughter.

“I didn’t feel like I was working with an agency,” Fawn said. “I felt like I was working with my friend. There was so much ease and compassion and just, I’m here for you. If you want to cry today, I’m your shoulder. What do you need?”

Now Fawn is excited to be starting a new career with Bridges of Maine, an organization providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. She says she’s always been called to do something that gives back and works with people, and Darlene helped make this transition possible.

“She finally got me to stop doubting myself, and she finally got me to say, ‘what am I so scared of?’”

Darlene says Fawn had it in her the whole time, but just as we all struggle at times, she needed a little help realizing just how far she could go.

“She had everything within her that she needed to change, she just needed somebody else to see it also.”