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At the Siemon Center in Southern California, one woman turns hope into lasting change for her family.
Ericka Bernard first walked into The Salvation Army Siemon Family and Youth Community Center in South Los Angeles in December 2023. She carried not only her young daughter but the weight of years spent in foster care, homelessness and unsafe streets—and a hope that had survived it all.
“At the time, I was struggling with finances, lack of transportation and little family support,” Bernard said. “Having someone guide me and hold me accountable made all the difference.”
At the Siemon Center, Bernard joined Pathway of Hope, a Salvation Army initiative that helps families move toward long-term stability. Families work with a case manager who helps them set goals—such as finding stable housing, improving income or managing childcare—and connects them with resources that support those goals. The program offers guidance along the way and focuses on helping families build lasting independence, not just solving short-term problems.
Pathway of Hope isn’t a quick fix, yet it proved the right fit for Bernard.
Her first connection with The Salvation Army came in 2019, when she and her newborn were referred to the Westwood Transitional Living Center after experiencing homelessness. She stayed for a year and secured stable housing with the help of her case manager. That experience showed her what steady support could look like and prepared her for the next chapter with Pathway of Hope.
Siemon Center Executive Director Edwin Perry remembers the day Bernard arrived with her daughter.
“Ericka came in feeling broken but hopeful, determined to reconcile with herself while mothering her daughter. Pathway of Hope partnered with Ericka to create an action plan, and together, we witnessed her transformation as she got back on track.”
Through Pathway of Hope, Bernard began turning hope into clear, steady progress. The program helped with essentials—housing, food, utilities and transportation—but it also offered something less visible and equally critical: consistent guidance, accountability and encouragement. With her case manager, Vera Maciel, Bernard learned to set goals she could act on, develop healthy habits and take deliberate steps toward a secure life for herself and her daughter.
Maciel said Bernard’s story is inspiring.
“I’ve watched her learn to set boundaries and face each challenge with a mindset of growth,” Maciel said. “She leaned on her faith and her determination as she worked to overcome homelessness, domestic violence and poverty.”
Bernard, in turn, credits Maciel for steady encouragement.
“She sent me daily reminders along with uplifting positive affirmations to keep me grounded and focused on accomplishing my goals,” she said.
“Ericka’s resilience, perseverance and determination show what lasting change looks like. Her story demonstrates how breaking cycles of adversity is possible when families receive the right support and guidance.”
Pamela Dong
Despite the instability she experienced, Bernard protected her educational goals. After high school, she enrolled at California State University, Northridge, where she is now completing her final year toward a degree in psychology. She maintained a 3.0 GPA and continued building her skills through work with nonprofits serving foster and unhoused youth.
Those work choices weren’t random. Because of what she experienced—foster care, homelessness and a lack of family support—Bernard is committed to helping others navigate similar challenges.
“I want to help people and make sure they feel supported,” she said. “What I’ve been through pushes me to do better and give back.”
Pathway of Hope launched at the Siemon Center in August 2023. Since then, it has enrolled 37 households and currently manages 15 active cases. Six clients have successfully completed the program.
Pamela Dong, who supervises Pathway of Hope case managers in Southern California, highlights Bernard’s story as an example of the program’s transformative potential.
“Even with a small number of families served, the impact is profound,” she said. “Ericka’s resilience, perseverance and determination show what lasting change looks like. Her story demonstrates how breaking cycles of adversity is possible when families receive the right support and guidance.”
Today, Bernard’s life has changed dramatically. She has safe housing, financial stability and a plan for the future.
“The most significant change was learning to let go of what no longer serves me,” Bernard said. “Pathway of Hope has been essential, and I am proud of myself. My goal is to obtain my cosmetology license and continue growing my hair business while also exploring new opportunities like joining the sheriff’s department. I want to keep building multiple streams of income and show my daughter that no matter the obstacles, you can create the life you want through hard work and determination.”
From the day she walked into the Siemon Center carrying hope, Bernard has transformed it into a life of possibility for herself and her daughter—a testament to resilience, guidance and determination.
At the Siemon Center, Perry witnessed Bernard’s transformation firsthand.
“Seeing Ericka’s gratitude and progress fills our hearts with joy,” he said.
Do Good:
- The Salvation Army is committed to providing shelter and support to individuals and families in our community who are experiencing homelessness. By working together, we can make a difference. See more here.
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